"We've always kind of been an underdog," Cal Clutterbuck said. "Even when we've gone through stretches where we proved to people that we shouldn't be, we are still labeled that way. We are who we are and I think we're very content with being quietly confident about what we're able to do and trying to execute it."

The New York Islanders have heard what's been said about them ahead of the 2018-19 season. They seen the preseason prognostications and are using the pundits' doubt as motivation, as they adopt an Isles vs everybody mentality when the season begins on October 4.

While outside opinion motivates some of the players, returning to the playoffs - after missing out in each of the past two seasons - is all Anders Lee needs to fuel his fire for the upcoming campaign.

"A lot has been said that's fueled us, but the biggest fueling factor is we've gone home early the past two years," Lee said. "We have work to do to get back to where we want to be."

Video: Training Camp Day 1: Barry Trotz

The Islanders are using the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils as proof that underdogs can have their day. The Golden Knights were pegged for the lottery after last summer's expansion draft, but won the Pacific Division and advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup final in a historic first season. The Devils underwent a dramatic 27-point turnaround from 2016-17 to 2017-18 qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

"We have a lot of building pieces here and a a lot of good players," said Jordan Eberle, who is looking to build off a 59-point season. "Obviously we're being ranked as an underdog team, but we're looking at it as motivation. You look at a lot of teams that have done that in the past, Vegas is a perfect example. When you don't have a lot of pressure on you can do a lot of good things, we're looking forward to that."

The Islanders are looking to craft a hard-working, physical identity and winning culture under new Head Coach Barry Trotz. Improving their 31st-ranked defense from last season is priority number one and establishing defensive structure is one of Trotz's calling cards. So is accountability and after a rigorous training camp, the Islanders finished the preseason 5-3-0, which included a four-game winning streak.

Video: Condensed Game: Islanders @ Rangers

And while the loss of John Tavares took one of the team's top scorers out of the equation, there are some reasons for optimism in the Islanders offense throughout camp. Mathew Barzal recorded eight assists in six preseason games, while Ryan Pulock scored five goals over the final four preseason games. Anders Lee finished the preseason with four goals, while Anthony Beauvillier netted three. The Islanders power play scored in six of the eight preseason games going 10-for-34 (29.4%) with another goal coming on a delayed penalty.

"We have four lines that can move and some big bodies and guys that play hard," Barzal said. "I think we're going to surprise some people and be tough to play against."