Lighthouse Hockey, a New York Islanders community

After months of misery, the NHL season is finally upon us, and New York Islanders fans are ready for the kind of misery they're more accustomed to.

The New York Islanders open 2011-12 at home with high hopes against the visiting, revamped Florida Panthers.

The New York Islanders fell in the shootout 4-4 (1-0) in their Home Opener, but there was lots to like about the team's two-goal third-period comeback against the Dallas Stars.

Recapping a wild night, with John Tavares' first NHL goal and assist in front of a sold out Nassau Coliseum crowd.

Previewing the Islanders home opener against the Stanley Cup champs, and the formal home debut of John Tavares.