The Brett Gallant Show

New York Islanders fans don’t have much to cheer about right now. No playoffs with little chance at the top draft pick. John Tavares is hurt until next season, and the team is fielding half of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Last night fourth-season Sound Tiger Brett Gallant made his regular season NHL debut. A tough guy, all energy, he was looking for a bout quick and early. Matt Kassian was his counterpart on the Ottawa Senators.

After picking up matching roughing penalties, the two fought right out of the penalty box. Gallant quickly landed a clean punch that sent Kassian to the ice. Kassian popped back up, and Gallant made a first impression that will stick. Isles fans had something to cheer about.