Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) waits during a...

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) waits during a chorus of boos and other chants during the first period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, his former team, on Feb. 28 in Uniondale. Credit: AP / Kathy Willens

To Islanders fans: We finally have the team moving in the right direction. A new top-tier coaching staff. A state-of-the-art arena in the works. A huge pool of young talent.

Then we angered the hockey gods! Look at the number of missed and bad calls by the refs, the posts that were hit, and the unlucky goals by and off our own players. The disgusting display of disrespect toward John Tavares on Feb. 28 is not what hockey is about and not what is taught in our pee wee and bantam leagues [“Penalty box for these Islanders’ fans,” Letters, March 5].

We could have shown our dislike at our next home game and respected the time he was with the Islanders, and all he has done for us.

Anthony Giacoponello, Huntington

Many years ago while visiting Montreal, I had the opportunity to go to the Forum for a Saturday night hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers.

One legendary player of the Original Six Montreal Canadiens, Bernie “Boom-Boom” Geoffrion, had just been traded from Montreal to the Rangers. This was his first game back in Montreal in a New York Rangers uniform and he scored his first goal that night as a New York Ranger.

The entire packed audience at the Forum stood up and gave him a rousing ovation! Fans showed their love and respect for him as a hockey great, regardless of which team he played for. It was a momentous occasion, one that I have never forgotten. Perhaps some of those Islanders fans will read this and do the same when John Tavares returns on April 1.

Beverly MacDonald, Lake Grove

Newsday LogoSUBSCRIBEUnlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 5 months
ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME