“Huge part of the franchise” – Fans congratulate Josh Bailey as he reaches 1000th NHL game, joins Islanders legends
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Josh Bailey
New York Islanders alternate captain Josh Bailey marked the 1000th NHL game on Friday at PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina. The Islanders won 6-2 against the Carolina Hurricanes, while the veteran forward gave the team a 3-2 lead at 16:26 of ice time.
Selected in the first round of the 2008 NHL Draft, he has since then played for only one team which itself is an accomplishment. With his 1000th NHL game record, he has now joined the Islanders legends, Denis Potvin and Bryan Trottier.
Forward Brock Nelson stated, “For Josh, it’s fun to see that”. “You can’t write it any better, him getting the game-winner. Huge part of the franchise and this team, so well deserved.” Congratulatory messages poured on him, both in the arena and on social media.
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Present and former teammates of Josh Bailey wish him on his special day
Josh stated, “There was countless texts from friends and former teammates, family and everyone”. “Just overwhelming with the support and all the kind words.” This was his 23rd career-game-winning goal, as he previously recorded a total of 557 points with 379 assists and 178 points.
The forward’s teammates, including the captain, congratulated him via a video, and so did his former teammates. Apart from Islanders, Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo, Toronto Maple Leafs captain, former Islanders captain John Tavares, and Anaheim Ducks defenceman Tarvis Hamonic also appeared on the video.
As Josh said earlier, his parents were there to witness the special moment. They almost cried and hugged each other in glee. Even Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour stated, “Their goalie played really well, I give him a lot of credit”.
“But their team game, I think they played their best game in the [five] years I’ve been [coaching] against them. By far the best game they’ve played.”
Josh commented after winning Wednesday’s game on how he wished his parents to be there and finally the destined day came for them to sit in the arena, “It’s tough not to get emotional thinking about it”. “I had a lot of family and friends here tonight, people that mean a lot to me.”
“They’re riding the wave with me, the highs and lows, and it will be just as special for them as it will be for myself, and having them be a part of it will make it much more special too. You wouldn’t be here without a great support system and that includes everyone in this room here. It’s been a fun ride.”
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2140 Articles Published)