Joined by NY Sirens goalie and die hard Islanders fan Abbey Levy, we remember Joey MacDonald, a back-up turned starter who had the game of his life for an undermanned and lottery-bound squad. After spending years in the AHL for the Red Wings organization, MacDonald came to Long Island to play the same role in Bridgeport. But an injury to Rick DiPietro (!!) and a stalemate with Wade Dubielewicz suddenly made MacDonald the starter for the 2008-09 Islanders, who had low expectations and a roster full of rookies and journeymen. For a month, they looked like a Cinderella story, and MacDonald was named the NHL's Third Star for November. But then a prolonged slump and his own injuries helped derail the already shaky Islanders. His season's high point was an incredible and unexpected shutout of the defending Stanley Cup champions back where it all began for him. Abbey tells us about the gravity of the PWHL's first season and what's in store for Year 2, her very deep Islanders fandom and the idols that got her to go down the goalie path and how getting away from the game (and getting your nails done) can be a huge help during both good and bad times.

We can't thank Abbey enough for giving us a huge chunk of her time. She's an insightful athlete and a dedicated Islanders fan and we wish her and the Sirens the best of luck this season, which starts on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Prudential Center, where they will be playing all of their home games.

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