The Islanders fell just short of a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, but they received a hero's welcome when they returned home Friday.

The Islanders were eliminated from the playoffs in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals Thursday night. It was their deepest playoff run since 1993.

"They played really well, and even though we didn't get what we were striving for, they worked their tails off and they deserve a round of applause," says Marc Rodway, who came out from Queens.

Dozens of fans from Long Island and beyond came to Republic Airport in Farmingdale to welcome the team home from Canada. They made sure to line up packed against a fence to let their favorite players hear their voices.

"To say thank you to the Islanders for their hard work they did, playing in the bubble, playing their hearts out and giving us the opportunity to try to win the cup," says Anthony Palladino, from Staten Island.

Young fans like Ryan Fink, from Sound Beach, were starstruck when they saw their favorite athletes.

"The stuff they do for us and the stuff they do for the fans during this time, it's just unbelievable what they do for us," says Fink.

The Isles showed their appreciation right back, waving, smiling and taking videos of the scene.

As for the future -- diehard fans are excited for what comes next for the promising team.

"The future's bright, I'm looking forward - it's going to be good," says Tom Lofaso, from Levittown.