A Proper Sendoff

Will this be Matt Martin's final game on Long Island?

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Good Morning, Islanders Country.

Matt Martin had to fight his way onto the Islanders roster this season, and although it may not have gone the way he or the team had hoped, that determination has afforded Martin something none of his recently departed teammates have had - a proper sendoff.

In contrast, Josh Bailey played in the 2022-23 regular season finale but was scratched in all six first-round games versus Carolina. We next saw him skating with the Ottawa Senators in the pre-season after being bought out. Last season, Cal Clutterbuck scored in Game 4, the only game the Isles won, before the team was ousted in five. He showed up next wearing a suit and tie as a studio analyst.

Even Brock Nelson, who scored a goal, tallied an assist, and got a sit-down behind-the-bench interview with Shannon Hogan, didn’t know for certain he had just played his final game as an Islander (and if it were up to Lamoriello, he wouldn’t have). That leaves Martin, who, although he hasn’t made a public announcement, very well may be playing his final NHL game on Long Island.

“I think, regardless of the situation, he deserves a big ovation tomorrow night for what he’s meant to the organization, to Long Island, to countless number of kids he’s impacted, said Josh Bailey in Newsday. “His impact has gone far beyond hockey. So I think it will be a good thing to make sure that he feels everyone’s appreciation.”

The game doesn’t mean anything in the standings. The vibe will likely mimic more of a pre-season game than a late-season showdown amongst division rivals, but it will mean a ton of Matt Martin and his family. The Islanders fans, regardless of how many are in attendance, should make sure he gets the recognition he deserves for what he’s given the team on the ice and the community off of it.