As the NHL exhibition schedule officially began on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers opened the first game of the day by lining up next to each other during the national anthem rather than as individual teams in what was called a “Moment of solidarity. ” . “
When asked if the Rangers and Islanders had something similar planned for their exhibition matchup in Toronto on Wednesday, Islanders captain Anders Lee said he was sure the teams would coordinate some sort of gesture.
“I’m sure we will be in touch with the Rangers and we will try to figure something out here, probably something similar,” he said in a Zoom call after the Islands practice on Tuesday. “I think it is incredible to see it. It is a great reason to come together as rivals and teams and really show the true importance of coming together and standing up for justice and what is right. ”
Lee said the islanders had not yet discussed the idea as a team, but said he had taken note of what the Penguins and Flyers did. He also credited the Boston Bruins, who issued a statement early Tuesday to announce that they will close their weapons during the national anthem “as a sign of solidarity with the black community.”
“In the past few months we have been trying to educate ourselves and learn more about racial injustice in our country and around the world,” reads Bruins’ statement. “As a team, we have decided to shut down the guns while interpreting the hymns of the United States and Canada as a sign of solidarity with the black community.
“This action is intended solely as a positive sign of support for the black community, and a way for us to use our platform to help end racism.”
With the second exhibition game on the NHL’s Wednesday schedule at 8 p.m., there is plenty of time for the Islands and the Rangers to discover the details of their gesture on the ice.
“To be able to have that opportunity here on television and with our game as players and to have platforms to try to make this world a better place,” said Lee.
When it comes to hockey, the islanders are eager to play against someone other than themselves. It’s been 140 days since the islanders competed in a real game and just over a month of playing against each other on training ground.
“I think everyone just wants to play a real game,” said Matt Martin. “When you play practice games, you are trying to make it as close to the game as possible, but obviously you are leaving the boys out in the corner, leaving out when people come through the ice. You are not trying to be too physical with your own boys. You don’t want any injury on this thing.
“To play an exhibition game, a little tune-up game before the real thing starts, I think it will be good for everyone’s time, the speed of the game and obviously the physicality of the game.”
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