The feisty winger totaled four points (2G, 2A) through 17 regular season games, but provided an immense boost with nine postseason points (7G, 2A). Palmieri's seven goals were tied with Brock Nelson for the team lead. His scoring touch was much-needed as the Islanders were without captain and net-front presence, Anders Lee, who suffered a torn ACL injury back in early March.
Palmieri made an impact as he scored most of his goals from those gritty areas on the ice. His 19-game playoff performance was accentuated by a two-goal outing - including the OT winner - in Game 1 of the First Round against Pittsburgh.
Following his seamless fit into the Islanders' lineup, and more importantly gelling with the team's culture, Palmieri had no doubts about returning.
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"Obviously, you want to see how you fit into a team and the role that you're given," Palmieri said. "As it went on and I got to get to know the guys and the coaching staff - I was pretty familiar with being from Long Island - but it was definitely something that came together pretty quickly."
The 30-year-old, having been born on the North Shore of the Island and having heard recounts from his father of the Islanders' dynasty years, knew how special the organization is to the area and what wearing that crest means.
"It's a collection of everything," Palmieri said. "It comes down to the fans, how passionate they are, how excited they are to watch this team play, and inside the room. Being inside with these guys every day, it's a special group. I'm just fortunate enough to be able to fit in and have a place here."
And while Palmieri is still a relatively fresh face to the club, he was quick to understand the dissatisfaction the group has faced the last two years with back-to-back trips to the third round, falling short both times. Moving forward as a staple in the lineup and keeping the bulk of the Islanders' core intact, Palmieri and his teammates are more determined than ever.
"The goal of our team is no secret," Palmieri said. "We want to win a Stanley Cup. When you see rosters turn over and some guys leave, those guys are obviously important pieces to the team. We have a great group of guys here, a world class coaching staff and office that's part of an organization that I'm really excited to be here."
