Frans Nielsen was emotional, appearing on the verge of tears during the first period of Sunday’s game, as the Islanders played a video tribute for him in his first-ever game against his longtime team.
By the end of the Red Wings’ 4-3 overtime win at Barclays Center, the former Islander was all smiles — for multiple reasons.
“I’m for sure happy that this one’s out of the way,” Nielsen said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve got to admit, it was weird during warm-ups and in the beginning.”
Nielsen, who was drafted by the Islanders in 2002 and spent the past 10 seasons in New York before signing a six-year, $31.5 million deal with the Red Wings, said before the game how difficult it was for him to leave, though he hasn’t had any doubts about his decision.
“One third of my life I lived here. There’s a lot of stuff you miss about being here,” Nielsen said. “It wasn’t an easy decision. I have nothing bad to say about anything here. [Negotiations] just dragged out for some reason, and it got to a point where I got a chance to talk to other teams and I realized it might be fun to get a new challenge and try something new. I think I made a good choice. I’m really happy where I am.”
Just before Nielsen recorded an assist to tie the game in the first period, the crowd loudly cheered the visiting 32-year-old as the highlight reel of his Islanders days played on the scoreboard, reading: “Thank You Frans.”
Nielsen waved to the fans, pounding his heart.
“It was awesome,” Nielsen said. “Been here so long, so many people [in] this organization mean so much to me.”
Jaroslav Halak received his second straight start in net, following his season-best, 38-save shutout against the Capitals. He made 30 saves, allowing at least three goals for the fifth time in his past six appearances.
“I thought he made some saves when he had to,” coach Jack Capuano said.
The Islanders (9-10-5) next host the first-place Rangers (17-8-1) Tuesday night in Brooklyn.
“Never any love lost in these games,” John Tavares said. “Easy to get up for.”