Tavares reaffirms commitment to last-place Islanders

The euphoria of delivering the lone taste of success in a near quarter-century for a storied fan base must feel like it was ages ago.

Just nine months ago, John Tavares' electrifying wraparound game-winner in Game 6 of the New York Islanders' first-round series versus the Florida Panthers felt like the turning point for a franchise that hadn't won a playoff series in 23 years.

It hasn't been, though, as the Islanders rank dead last in the Eastern Conference 38 games into their season, owners of a 15-15-8 record.

Yet, as he's done in the past, captain Tavares affirmed his commitment to the club that drafted him first overall in 2009, even though a lucrative free-agent deal could be waiting for him down the road.

"I think for myself, I’ve always shown and talked about my commitment here," Tavares told Steven Marcus of Newsday. "Wanting to have success here and keep building on some of the good things we've done. Obviously, this (low) point's been disappointing."

Tavares is an unrestricted free agent after the 2017-18 season, and to his standards, is underperforming this season with a team-leading 27 points.

"For myself, I know that I have not been to the level that I expect of myself and the standard that I want to be at," Tavares said. "(I) keep trying to improve and get better. I need to be counted on more, to be more of a difference-maker."

The Islanders lost a wealth of talent to free agency last offseason, and are enduring dwindling attendance numbers along with substandard ice conditions at the Barclay's Center.

None of that seems to be bothering Tavares.

"I think I’ve stated enough how much I enjoy being here," he said.