One of those pause-and-awe-at-life things: My dad dided a few years ago a few days before the Islanders home opener ... between his Blues and my Isles. (He lived a full one; no regrets.) He's who brought me into hockey, and pointed me toward this team -- so every year now this time feels twice as special. You know what I mean. Sports.

This is our in-game comment, chat and casserole recipe exchange thread. Be nice to strangers, and Happy hockey.