Tsyplakov Chat In the wake of the New York Rangers trading their captain Jacob Trouba [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/jacob-trouba-new-york-rangers-new-york-islanders-brock-nelson-kyle-palmieri-trade] last Friday, The Hockey News sat down with New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] captain Anders Lee for an exclusive interview about wearing the "C". Lee, who has served as captain since the 2018-19 season, is leading the Islanders with 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) through 29 games this season. Stefen Rosner: What does it mean to you to be able to be a captain here for as long as you have? Anders Lee: "It's extremely special. I take a lot of pride in it. I'm very fortunate to have great guys around me and a great room. We work really hard together, demand a lot from one another, and try to do our best to do things the right way, whether that's how we show up to the rink every day, how we come to work, and the commitment that we all have toward this hockey team and winning games. I've been very fortunate to be around a great group of guys, and I'm very honored by this whole experience." Rosner: How much added pressure is there to have the "C" on your jersey and how much of a mental switch was there after earning the honor? Lee: "Looking back, I never changed anything the way I did things. I didn't think that was needed. I just continued to try to be myself and who I've always been. You take onus on how the team's doing. You can take a lot on at times, especially when we're not doing well or stuff like that. But it's all part of the job and part of the gig. It's also always a great challenge and opportunity to go and try to get the boys going, or find a way to spark things in the room, or do what I can on the ice, or whatever it is to always keep us going in the right direction." Rosner: The dream was to be an NHL player, but did you ever dream of being a captain of an NHL team? Lee: No, not at all. I never thought it would turn out the way it has. I've been very honored to be in this position and take it on with my full attention. I take a lot of pride in it, so it's great to have guys to lean on, great guys who are leaders in the room. This has been an extremely special thing."
