The Paul Bissonnette-Islanders Feud Takes New Turn
Paul Bissonnette loves to hate the New York Islanders. This is nothing new. The Spittin Chiclets co-host and TNT personality does not hesitate to throw shade at Lou Lamoriello’s team. However, his comments usually go without any major responses other than some Isles fans on Twitter. Fans are lucky because that has changed. On Monday night, the Toronto Maples Leafs visited UBS Arena, and tensions were as high as ever.
I won’t drag on, but New York fans will always hold former captain John Tavares in low regard for walking in 2018 Free Agency. While the signing has not exactly worked in Toronto’s favor, he will always still be a villain on Long Island.
He just so happened to put on his cape and score a goal and assist against the Isles, the second point being No. 1000 in his career, and there was surprisingly no love lost when he was honored on the jumbotron:
Reaction inside UBS Arena as the Islanders congratulated John Tavares on 1,000 points pic.twitter.com/7QjyouDGYK
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 12, 2023
Biz Getting Nasty:
Despite never playing for the Leafs, Biz took exception to this. He went on a tirade on Twitter, which ended in hilarious fashion once Bo Horvat won the game in overtime. His theatrics prompted Isles legend (whose No. 91 is retired) Butch Goring to clap back in classic Butchie fashion. This prompted more tweets from the winger claiming Lamoriello sent Goring out as muscle and that the Isles are “bullies.”
The exchange is equal parts tense and silly. Isles fans should be allowed to hate Tavares for leaving them high and dry, and Biz should go read a book or do something better with his time. Other than games against each other, the two fanbases have mostly kept conflict to a minimum in the five-plus years since Tavares’ decision.
From my personal point of view, I have lost most of my hatred for the guy. He chased a childhood dream to play for his favorite team.
Yes, it absolutely hurt when it first happened. But to see how Lou pivoted and helped create the most success this team has seen in three decades more than makes up for it. What ticks me off is trolls like Biz and others trying to stoke those flames once again. Getting personal insults just because we don’t like another team’s player is stupid, loving and hating is a part of sports!
The Paul Bissonnette campaign against the New York Islanders is once again gaining traction and starting new chapters. If nothing else, the Isles have some of the most passionate fans anywhere on the globe.
