Hickey recorded a pair of assists in his first Islanders game since May 3, 2019 - the Islanders' Game 4 loss to Carolina - and his first game since Feb. 29, 2020 in Bridgeport. The veteran defenseman seemingly picked up where he left off, looking comfortable playing alongside Scott Mayfield.
Hickey was active off the blue line, jumping up to join the play on the Islanders' second and fourth goals. The 32-year-old skated the puck around the Flyers' net before throwing it into the middle, setting off a scramble that led to Jordan Eberle's goal at 8:01. Hickey made another head's up play on Casey Cizikas' second goal, making a quick decision to pinch and beat Oskar Lindblom to a loose puck before sending it across the ice to Cizikas.
The two-assist game was Hickey's first since Jan. 13, 2018, when he had a goal and an assist vs the Rangers.
"There's probably not a person in that locker room that wasn't wishing Thomas a real good night here, and he played really well," Head Coach Barry Trotz said. "Thomas is an outstanding person first and was outstanding for not playing in a long time."
Hickey opened up about his past year and a half, saying that staying mentally fit was harder than any physical ailments. He admitted that there were moments where doubt about another chance was creeping into his mind, but he said the support of his teammates and family helped him through any difficulty.
"It's been a lot more exhausting than being physically ready - keeping your head in," Hickey said. "You wonder, doubt creeps in. I'm just proud of myself… I have a great support system and that helps, and the support from my teammates. I'd definitely say the mental side of it is much harder than the physical side."
Tweet from @scottmayfield2: Could not be more happy for Hicks. One of the best teammates and guys I have ever played with! https://t.co/cWXCme7J70
His teammates were thrilled for him after the game, especially after seeing how hard he's worked behind the scenes.
"He was incredible tonight," Casey Cizikas said of Hickey. "He played his heart out. What he's been through definitely isn't easy. As a friend and I played alongside him for a long time here - to see him go out there and play the way that he did, that was something special."
The night was even more emotional as it was Hickey's first game since losing his brother, so being able to play well had some extra significance for him and his family.
"It's the best feeling I've had in a long time," Hickey said. "Personally and professionally, it's been tough. There's people that you want to do things for that make them happy because we've had a really rough go. I've been thinking about my brother, I always just wanted to do good things while he was battling and fighting, and to show him that you can play for him. I think that just carries over even though he's not with us. That's in the back of your mind."
Hickey finished the game with 16:34 TOI, two assists a hit and a block in his first regular season spin in 716 days. It's unclear what the future will hold for Hickey once Noah Dobson returns to the lineup, but regardless, the Islanders will have a savvy, professional vet able to jump in at a moment's notice.
