The New York Islanders Ride Their Zamboni Into Barclays Center
Some of you may not know the difference between cross-checking and high-sticking. And others of you live the dream of driving a zamboni for a living.
The New York Islanders are coming to town, and it’s a great opportunity to view some ice hockey. The puck drops Friday, October 9 at 7:30pm in their new Barclays Center digs when they play the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.
While maligned by the (often accurate, but less so nowadays) reputation of being a violent sport involving a lot of gloves-off fighting, ice hockey is a fascinating combination of ice skating grace, hand/eye coordination, and stick handling.
We’ve put together a little primer about your new team, including some history, what you should expect this season, and info on their talented stars.
Why did they leave Long Island?
In 2012, the Islanders’ ownership announced the move to Barclays Center, after spending all 43 years at Nassau Coliseum (sometimes called “the old barn”), since their first season in 1972. Their lease was up, and voters had rejected the proposal to build a new hockey arena. The Islanders signed a 25-year lease agreement at Barclays, and they are now starting up in their new home.
How did the long-time fans react?
Even though the proposal was rejected, Islanders fans are experiencing a range of emotions as the team moves to a different part of Long Island (hey, Brooklyn is still part of Long Island, isn’t it?). The tailgating will be no more, and long-time fans will have to trade in their barbecues for a trip on the L.I.R.R., and drinks in Park Slope or Gowanus.
It could have been worse, though. The Islanders flirted with moving much further away — with Kansas City and Quebec City as serious possibilities. Then again, the #Brooklyn Hipsters debate may not be over.
Do the Islanders have some interesting history?
Indeed they do. The Islanders had a dynasty period, winning four Stanley Cups in a row from the 1979-1983 seasons. Their roster included Hall-of-Famers Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Bill Smith, and Bryan Trottier, as well as Hall-of-Fame coach Al Arbour.
The Nets and Islanders reunite?
Actually, yes. The New York Nets played at Nassau Coliseum between 1972-1977. So the two teams have shared an arena before.
Should we be excited about this team?
There’s a lot to be said about expensive tickets, and sightlines for some of the seats in Barclays for ice hockey configuration contain some obstructed views.
But the Islanders have an exciting team. Here are some reasons why:
John Tavares is the captain of the team, and he’s in his hockey prime. He’s a leader, and very much “the face” of the Islanders franchise. He’s also in contention for the Hart Trophy this year (that’s the M.V.P. award in ice hockey).
Tavares has been to the playoffs twice in his career (2013 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins and 2015 Eastern Conference First Round vs. Washington Capitals), but has not advanced out of the first round.
But that could change this year. Last season, the Islanders averaged 2.99 goals per game — the fourth highest in the league. Tavares could very well lead the team deep into the playoffs.
The Islanders have two goalies to boast about — the veteran Jaroslav Halák had a hearty first year with the team during the 2014-15 season. According to Greg Picker of the Islanders, “Halák played in 59 games, missing only two or three due to injury.” The team added goalie Thomas Greiss for this season, who will serve as Halák’s very strong backup. Should Halák go down with an injury, the team will still have strong defense in the goalie spot.
Do we have some good rivalries to look forward to?
It’s New York — of course we do.
The two home games against the New York Rangers will take place December 2 and January 14. Last year’s tough playoff series against the Washington Capitals should make their Brooklyn visits on January 7 and February 18 very interesting.
The other rivals in their league are the New Jersey Devils (coming to Brooklyn November 3 and December 13), the Pittsburgh Penguins (March 8 and April 2), and three games against the Philadelphia Flyers (November 25, January 23, and March 21).
Will we like hockey at Barclays?
Watch out for obstructed seats and you’ll be fine. Barclays was not constructed to be a hockey arena, so there are some sightline issues.
With the right seat, you’ll be in one of the more intimate hockey arenas in the NHL. Greg Picker of the Islanders tells us, “Barclays Center officially holds 15,795 for hockey, which is the second smallest venue in the NHL. Winnipeg’s MTS Centre holds 15,294. Nassau Coliseum was previously also the second smallest in the NHL, seating 16,170 for hockey.”
And the new third hockey jersey?
Of all the things to rile up the fans, the new third jersey could probably be the most significant. The uniform will be worn during 12 home games. Does this slick black and white “hipster” look take away from the Isles’ true colors?
Captain John Tavares couldn’t tell you much about hipsters. When Tavares was asked about Brooklyn hipsters in a Yahoo Sports article, he responded, “Yeah, we’ll see about the hipsters. I’ve been asked about it 30 times, and I still couldn’t tell you exactly the description of what a hipster is.”
For team information and tickets, you can visit the Islanders website.
