This Day In Islanders Historical past: Josh Bailey Scores In 1,000th NHL Sport, Chat With Him & Teammates On Milestone

After 15 seasons of service to the New York Islanders, ahead Josh Bailey skated in his 1,000th NHL recreation on Oct. 28, 2022.

His 1,000th recreation was delayed because of Nikita Soshnikov taking his place within the lineup for a recreation in Tampa on Oct. 22, which moved Bailey’s milestone recreation from a matchup in opposition to the New York Rangers on house ice to a street recreation in Raleigh.

With the highlight on him in opposition to the Hurricanes, Bailey made probably the most of it by notching a highlight-reel purpose within the second interval.

With the sport tied at two within the second interval, Mathew Barzal dropped the puck again to Bailey, who knifed his approach by way of the Hurricanes’ protection, faked out goaltender Frederik Andersen, and completed the play to offer New York the lead.

The purpose stood to be the game-winner.

Here is Stefen Rosner’s conversations with Bailey after that purpose and a few phrases from teammates on seeing him accomplish the feat:

“It’s one thing particular for him and for his household,” teammate Jean-Gabriel Pageau mentioned. “I can’t actually bear in mind what number of guys performed 1,000 video games for a similar staff. And that’s…it’s extraordinary. And to be his teammate, I really feel fortunate. He’s an ideal chief within the room and on the ice; you simply see his dedication and his perspective within the gymnasium. All of the extras that he’s accomplished to play 1,000 video games simply exhibits how nice of a professional he’s.

“And I believe you go across the room, everybody was keen to do the identical factor. He’s an ideal professional and an ideal buddy to everybody.”

Former Islanders ahead and longtime teammate of Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck, made some extent about how the fan base considered No. 12 towards the top.

“Him and I turned pals rapidly after I obtained right here. We’ve remained pals all through. You already know, he has gotten some hate. And I don’t actually perceive why,” Clutterbuck mentioned. “I believe if you happen to actually watch him play the sport, and also you watch the quantity of huge performs and large moments he’s had for us alongside the way in which, I don’t know the way that’s justified.”

“However…it doesn’t have an effect on him. I do know that which is fairly spectacular. Simply the way in which that he’s been ready to stick with one staff and be dedicated to this space, this staff, this franchise in an period the place it’s very troublesome for guys to remain in a single place, you bought to remain related. You bought to remain essential. You bought to be a very good teammate. You bought to be a very good man, and he’s all of these issues.”

Islanders captain Anders Lee has had Josh Bailey as a teammate and as a pacesetter since he broke into the NHL again in 2012. He understands how underrated Bailey has been over his profession.

“He’s all the time discovering the open man and making the good play, and a number of his talent is undercover,” Anders Lee advised Cory Wright. “And I don’t assume it will get sufficient appreciation at occasions.”

Bailey departed the Islanders that offseason following a commerce to the Chicago Blackhawks, the place he was purchased out shortly thereafter.

He signed with the Ottawa Senators on a Skilled Tryout (PTO) however was launched previous to the 2023-24 season. He has but to announce his retirement from the NHL.

Related: The Special Affection For Islanders Josh Bailey Is Felt Keenly By The Maven

Throughout his 1,057-game profession with New York, he totaled 184 objectives and 396 assists for 580 factors. He sits fourth and seventh in franchise historical past in assists and factors, respectively.

Bailey additionally has made appearances at UBS Area throughout Alumni Weekend final season and on the staff’s season opener earlier this month.