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Gallof: Isles Preseason Game In Brooklyn?; Tavares Officially An All-Star

By B.D. Gallof, WFAN.com

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Is this a preemptive strike?

As I first reported on Twitter on Thursday the Islanders are in discussions to host a preseason game next season at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the future home of the NBA's New Jersey Nets.

This is not the first time the Islanders have used another venue to push the reality that at the end of the 2014-15 season their lease with Nassau Coliseum ends. During the 2008-09 season when Kansas City was considered their hot relocation destination, the Islanders announced they'd be taking on the Los Angeles Kings in a preseason game the following season at the brand-new downtown Spirit Center.

While there has been no movement between the Islanders and Nassau County on a new or refurbished arena, and a clear message has been sent that the team is not presently for sale, more possible routes could open if Brooklyn, Suffolk County or Queens were to make guarantees.

In fact, when asked about the lack of chatter since Aug. 1's failed referendum vote and how now the county is now looking for developers, a source in Executive Ed Mangano's administration said, "It will be a small miracle if they can even get it off the ground and keep the team here.  I really believe the Isles are going to Brooklyn, barring divine intervention."

Well, it seems the Islanders have that same idea as they are exploring some options as they bide their time until the lease term ends.

Please stay with WFAN.com for further updates to this story later Thursday.

All-Star nod for Tavares

John Tavares has been everything and more for the Islanders during the season's first half and on Thursday was rewarded for it by being named to the NHL All-Star game.

With 14 goals and 25 assists, Tavares is basically averaging a point per game. The third-year franchise center is on pace to easily surpass his career-high 67-point total from last season and is currently 11 points behind league leader Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks.

NHL All-Star Weekend is Jan. 28-29 in Ottawa.

Read more by B.D. Gallof

Do you like the idea of the Isles playing a preseason game in Brooklyn? Are you happy Tavares got an All-Star nod? Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below. ...

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