I Love The Fact That The Islanders Are Underdogs Against The Panthers
It’s that time of the year, the best time of the year, as playoff hockey is finally upon us. And with playoff hockey comes everyone and their mother’s predictions of how the First Round will play out.
Frankly, I’m not a big fan of predictions. They’re meaningless, semi-educated guesses that allow a person to rub it in everyone’s face if they are right, but can be easily laughed off by simply adding a quick “Haha, these are for fun, they don’t actually mean anything” if/when someone calls you out for being wrong. But that being said, I could not be happier that no one is picking the Islanders to make it past the Panthers, and out of the First Round for the first time in 23 years.
Everyone loves the underdog. In 2013, when the Isles faced off against Pittsburgh, it seemed as if all of hockey got behind the Islanders. Half because everyone hates the Penguins, and half because the Isles were the one team no one pinned to make a run, and everyone wanted the unimaginable to happen. The same can’t be said for this series against Florida, as both clubs are young teams desperate to prove they can contend, and both are very easy to get behind if you’re a neutral fan. But to be facing the Panthers and still be considered the underdog is the perfect chip to put on the Islanders’ shoulders. All the motivation this club needs.
Think to the past, think of how some of history’s greatest legends started off as underdogs, and went on to forever live in the sweet, sweet penthouse we call success.
Let’s start with Squints Palledorous
Squints was just your average, loud-mouth, glasses wearing 11 year old when he did the unimaginable and pulled one of the bossiest of boss moves on an older Wendy Peffercorn.
THAT Wendy Peffercorn
Not only did the move work, but he ended up dating, marrying, and having nine kids by her. The nerd getting the girl. Legend.
Then you have Rudy.
No one pinned him to ever make it onto the field during his days at Notre Dame. No one gave him a shot, they told him he couldn’t, he said he could. Low and behold he gets his shot, has his moment, and did the damn thing when it mattered, and where did it get him? A spot alongside Frodo fucking Baggins, and a supporting role in one of the highest grossing trilogies of all-time. Legend.
How about Mugatu?
Guy starts off as damn keyboardist. A keyboardist! Who respects a keyboardist? No one. That’s who. But from the clouds, Mugatu comes out with the piano key neck-tie and boom! international fashion icon all up in your face. Legend.
And finally there’s Jesus.
No one expected him to come out on top when they were putting him up on that cross. No one. It was sheets for your boy Jesus H; but he fought the good fight, showed his grit & determination in that cave, and battled his ass off for three days before coming out that bitch like blaw! Ready to fuck shit up. 2,016 years later, are we talking about the dudes who crucified him? Are their names still ringing out around the Religion Hall of Fame? Nope. It’s Jesus H Christ, 2,016 time reigning Religion World Champion. Legend.
The playoffs are where underdogs become legends. And the Isles are looking to join the club starting Thursday. See ya’ll on the other side.
Pick Up Your #WeEatin Shirt Today
