Welcome to the Rivalry John Tavares

So this morning I wake up at my usual 6 am hour, (which is indeed ungodly for a Sunday, but tell the 110 lb Dalmatian that he has to wait) and I find out that Mr. John Tavares will already be witness to the Rivalry that lives in New York.

It seems that our newest Islander is getting the distinct honor of throwing out the first pitch at Citi-Field tonight in the third game of this week's subway series between the Mets and the Yankees.

Currently the Mets resemble the Islanders of last season. Completely depleted and playing with their second stringers and minor leaguers and yet giving a good fight. The last two games they have just been over-matched by the Yankees. Last season's Islanders roster can certainly relate.

As ESPN's 8 pm Game of the Week, John Tavares will open up on a National stage for his first NY TV appearance as a NY Islander throwing out the first pitch. Talk about pressure! Don't trip on your way out of the dugout John and go down with a lower body injury that will keep you out 8 - 10 weeks.

John will get a taste of the intensity of New York rivalries, not only between the Yankees and the Mets, but from the Ranger fans who are most certainly to be in attendance. Has this darling of the Canadian Junior leagues ever been booed on national television? I doubt it. I hope he's prepared.

Once again, a really stellar move by the NY Islanders PR Department to capture the spotlight on a summer night in June. Maybe come October David Wright can drop the first puck. Hey, cross-over marketing is always a good idea!

*photo from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Paul Chiasson/Associated Press/Canadian Press & it's a really GOOD one!