*Writer's Note: While I tied this story to the Islanders (this being an Islanders site and all), it is written with a broader scope in mind. That said, I hope it stirs up plenty of Islander-related conversation, in addition to general sports conversation. After all, isn't that why we're all here?

As training camp breaks in early October, and teams and fans face the possibilities of the season, we hear that oft uttered phrase, "hope springs eternal." The promise of a fresh start gives fans of all teams -- from perennial contenders to struggling franchises -- that rush of excitement that says, "this could be our year." For some fans, that sentiment dies quickly. But at that moment before the season starts, even the most cynical of fans can feel the twinge of "what if."

On the heels of the Los Angeles Kings' remarkable run to the Stanley Cup though, the phrase "hope springs eternal" has never carried such weight. Here we are, not yet in summer, and I, like many other fans of teams left looking in, think, "if only my team had made it, just made it to the dance." From grabbing the 8th and final spot in the playoffs, to Stanley Cup Champions, is there any better example of what can happen when you just get there?

For fans of the five-or-so teams that figure to be in the playoffs every year, the refrain may stay the same for them -- the regular season is an afterthought. They'll win their games, and take their place in the post-season. They expect it. And even though they feel the same despair when they lose, and the same euphoria when they win, they look to the next season with an expectation to return.

For everyone else though, this Stanley Cup run has provided fans with a new mantra...

Just get there...

And it's not just in hockey. Look at the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. 9-7 regular season. Made the playoffs by winning the final game of the season. Knocked off three of the league's top teams to capture the Lombardi Trophy.

Just get there...

The World Series Champion Cardinals. Weakest regular season record of the eight teams to qualify for the playoffs. Minus their #1 starter all season. Down to their final out, their final strike. Two heroic swings of David Freese's bat, and the Cardinals were champions.

Just get there...

And so as the Islanders look toward their next season; the next step on their rebuilding journey, suddenly the road doesn't look as long. The outlook doesn't seem as bleak.

In this spring of improbable victory, hope is indeed eternal. For fans of any franchise that feels that their team will never climb the mountain, for teams that endure crushing injuries, and long losing streaks - look to the Kings, the Giants, the Cardinals, and think to yourself...

Just get there.

You never know what can happen once you've arrived.