Islanders News: Summer plans, all-yellow Stanley Cup Final

Thanks to those who weighed in with your “how I became a fan” stories yesterday. Hopefully you also like the overall design refresh. (If not, blame headquarters. We’re still adapting.)

The bad guys won in double-overtime last night, a frankly thrilling yet cagey-strategic Game 7 from the first faceoff on through both overtimes. That means a very yellow Cup final opens on Monday.

Islanders Reads

• How did you become an Islanders fan? Here’s Dan’s story, with several more in comments. [LHH]
• In his always enjoyable summer “Offseason Gameplan” series, Scott Cullen takes a look at the Islanders. [TSN]
• It’s all over for Mathew Barzal in juniors, but he and his fellow Thunderbirds left a lasting impression on the WHL Seattle franchise. [Times Colonist]

Beyond the Island

• About Last Night: A truly magical year for the Senators ends in gut-wrenching fashion. [Silver Seven]
• Here’s the Cup Final schedule. [SB Nation]
• We’ll probably start hearing about more Senators injuries now that they’re out. Some Ducks ones include Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen missing months due to shoulder surgeries. [OC Register]
• Peter Laviolette joined some elite and cantankerous company when he took a third franchise to the Stanley Cup final. Wonder which team of his didn’t get there? [Fan Rag]
• With Adidas taking over, 13 teams will have subtle uniform changes next season. [SB Nation]
• Those of a certain age may not know mustache legend Lanny McDonald finished his career with exactly 500 (regular season) goals and his first and only Stanley Cup. [NHL]
• The Devils are facing backlash after cutting ties with longtime radio voice Sherry Ross. [NY Post]
• Steve Ott, assistant coach. (And retired at 34.) In St. Louis. [Blues] He and Darryl Sydor. [Blues]