from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

There's so much more work ahead before they fully convince everyone, but Tavares appears to have been rewarded for his decision to remain loyal to the team that took him first overall in the 2009 NHL draft.

"They drafted me, invested a lot in me as far as being part of turning things around," Tavares told ESPN.com on Sunday in a phone interview. "And I thought it would be something pretty special to be part of bringing the Islanders back to competing for the playoffs and hopefully competing for Stanley Cups every year. We know the history of the team; for many years there have been tough times.

"Really, I just want to be part of something special. There's still a long way to go, but certainly being here every day, I knew what the organization wanted to accomplish and how much they care. I really enjoy playing here."

These are heady days in the place some people once mockingly called Fantasy Island. All those high draft picks are producing results on the ice this season to the tune of a 17-7-0 record. What a send-off. Those battered Islanders fans, who have witnessed just two playoff berths since the 2004-05 lockout, are rocking the Coliseum these days, their patience and loyalty finally rewarded.

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