Brock Nelson, Jonathan Drouin face off against former teams in 'strange' connections.
The NHL's latest chapter unfolded on Sunday as Brock Nelson and Jonathan Drouin led their respective teams to victories over two old foes. The Islanders and Avalanche, both of which Nelson and Drouin once called home, locked horns in a clash that was more than just hockey – it was a reunion.
For the Islanders' star forward, catching himself when seeing his own jersey number on the opposing team's player was jarring. "I feel like I'm so programmed to see 29 and think of myself," Nelson said, reflecting on how easily his brain associates that number with his former self. This strange feeling was echoed by Drouin, whose own journey took an unexpected turn when he chose to don the same jersey number on his new team.
As the two players looked around at their opponents, they couldn't help but notice a plethora of familiar faces. Cal Ritchie, who formed part of the return that sent Nelson to Denver, made his NHL debut with the Avalanche last season and played seven games before being sent back to juniors. Ray Bennett, an assistant coach for the Islanders, spent eight seasons on Long Island and was part of the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team before being let go after last year's playoff loss.
But perhaps most poignant were the nods to Patrick Roy, whose No. 33 hangs proudly in the Ball Center rafters. The Avalanche gave their legendary goaltender a full tribute video and standing ovation, acknowledging his lasting impact on the franchise.
The Islanders also made some lineup adjustments, with Max Shabanov returning from an upper-body injury as part of the fourth line. Scott Mayfield finally returned to the team after missing two games while his wife was in labor, with Adam Boqvist being made a healthy scratch.
The NHL's latest chapter unfolded on Sunday as Brock Nelson and Jonathan Drouin led their respective teams to victories over two old foes. The Islanders and Avalanche, both of which Nelson and Drouin once called home, locked horns in a clash that was more than just hockey – it was a reunion.
For the Islanders' star forward, catching himself when seeing his own jersey number on the opposing team's player was jarring. "I feel like I'm so programmed to see 29 and think of myself," Nelson said, reflecting on how easily his brain associates that number with his former self. This strange feeling was echoed by Drouin, whose own journey took an unexpected turn when he chose to don the same jersey number on his new team.
As the two players looked around at their opponents, they couldn't help but notice a plethora of familiar faces. Cal Ritchie, who formed part of the return that sent Nelson to Denver, made his NHL debut with the Avalanche last season and played seven games before being sent back to juniors. Ray Bennett, an assistant coach for the Islanders, spent eight seasons on Long Island and was part of the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team before being let go after last year's playoff loss.
But perhaps most poignant were the nods to Patrick Roy, whose No. 33 hangs proudly in the Ball Center rafters. The Avalanche gave their legendary goaltender a full tribute video and standing ovation, acknowledging his lasting impact on the franchise.
The Islanders also made some lineup adjustments, with Max Shabanov returning from an upper-body injury as part of the fourth line. Scott Mayfield finally returned to the team after missing two games while his wife was in labor, with Adam Boqvist being made a healthy scratch.
I'm not buying that Patrick Roy's jersey number 33 is just a coincidence, right? The Avalanche giving him such a full tribute video and standing ovation seems like more than just a classy gesture... 
What's the real reason behind it? Did they think of some sort of "full circle" thing? I need to see some sources on this one. 
️ It's like they're playing out some kind of hockey soap opera. Nelson and Drouin going up against their old teams is definitely weird, but at the same time, it's kinda cool to see them facing off in what feels like a part 2 of their careers. I'm not sure how I feel about Scott Mayfield coming back just when his wife was having her baby lol, that's some crazy timing 
. But seriously though, these teams seem to be making some solid moves with those roster changes... for now 
. It's almost as if the players were not just competing against each other, but also against their own personal histories 
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. It's almost as if they're being asked to redefine themselves, not just on the ice, but in the eyes of their teammates, coaches, and fans 
. The way the Avalanche acknowledged his lasting impact was a poignant reminder that even in a game dominated by speed and skill, nostalgia can be just as powerful 
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. but at the end of the day, it's all good vibes and respect for the players who came before 'em 
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. I remember watching those old Islanders teams with my dad back in the day and now its like they're ghosts of their former selves - Cal Ritchie making his debut and playing 7 games? That's crazy! 
! It's like they're makin' it up as they go along on these matchups. I mean, who expects to see their old teammates and coaches just chillin' with the enemy? 
. The Islanders makin' some moves with Max Shabanov comin' back is a big plus too - it's gonna be an interesting fourth line mix. Can't wait to see what happens next in this playoff rollercoaster 
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. It's not just about the game, it's about the nostalgia and how things can come full circle in life 
. I feel like we're seeing a bit of that with Drouin too, taking on his old number and embracing the familiarity 
. The tributes to Patrick Roy were super cool btw 
. And how about Max Shabanov making a return? Upper-body injuries can be tough to deal with 
, glad he's back on the ice 
!
i can imagine Brock Nelson just seeing 29 on the ice and feeling like he's still playing for his old team 
. Like, shouldn't they be focusing on the present and helping their new teams succeed instead of getting all caught up in the past? 
. On the other hand, I do love how Patrick Roy got that full tribute video and standing ovation - he's a true legend 
. But overall, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole game... 
the connection is too strong, its gonna affect their game for sure... and now theres all these familiar faces on both teams 
cal ritchie back in denver, ray bennett coaching in long island, scott mayfield coming back from his injury... its just too much nostalgia for one game 
and btw what about the tribute to patrick roy? did they have to give him a full video? 
i mean we all love him but come on... 
it's not just hockey anymore, it's like a big ol' family reunion 
. I remember watching Nelson play for the Islanders all those years ago, and to see him back in a familiar jersey is just awesome. And Drouin's story is even more unique - he took a different path but still ended up wearing the same number 
Adam boqvist was made a healthy scratch tho 
. That's so cool! 
And can you imagine seeing familiar faces on the opposing team? It's like a big ol' family reunion... but with more hits 
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. And can we talk about how cool it was to see Cal Ritchie and Ray Bennett back in action? They must've been so hyped to be playing again, even if it was just for a little while 
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. It's moments like these that make you appreciate the history and culture of a team, even if you're not on them anymore