From sleeping through practice to wearing Mario Lemieux's famous No. 66, an aura of controversy has surrounded New York Islanders winger Josh Ho-Sang.

No matter what's gone on off the ice, though, this kid can flat-out play, and he's thrilled to be in the spotlight on the game's biggest stage just eight games into his NHL career.

In those eight games, the 21-year-old has logged three goals and three assists, including a deft drop pass Tuesday night that lead to John Tavares' massive overtime winner.

"It's the most fun I've ever had in my life," Ho-Sang said of playing in the NHL, according to Cory Wright of Islanders.com. "When you get the puck in open space and you can skate up the ice, that's crazy. It blows my mind, it's what I've been dreaming about since I was a little kid. As long as I'm bringing that compete level and Dougie (Weight) is happy with me, then I'm the happiest person in the world."

His scintillating style is just a bonus to head coach Doug Weight, who believes Ho-Sang is a big leaguer through and through.

"A lot of times when you see these guys come up, whatever their skill set might be, you can always see a little, this is the NHL, deer in headlights," Weight said. "I haven't seen that. He fits in physically, his skating ability, his skill, it looks like he's been in this league for a long time."

The Isles selected Ho-Sang with the 28th pick in the 2014 draft.

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