On Thursday, March 18, general Islanders fans were able to return to Nassau Coliseum and I attended the game. It was a dream come true after waiting for so long. With the Islanders returning home once again this evening, let’s dive into my experience at the Coliseum.

The Pregame

Walking through the nearby Marriott for the first time in over a year felt abnormal. Just as many Islanders fans have done, I used the gate by the Marriott to enter the parking lot. I ran up to the tent to show my negative COVID-19 test along with my school ID. Then, I walked into the main entrance, through the metal detector. Hearing chants of “We’re home!” radiate throughout the line made me realize how special this experience would become. Once I got into the arena, I just took it all in. A place that has given me so many memories is finally alive.

(Image courtesy of Elite Sports NY)

The First Period Energy

After being deprived of live hockey for over a year, Islanders fans seemingly wanted the entire team to finally hear their pride as it faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers. From the moment the players came out onto the ice to the national anthem, the crowd was electric. Once the puck dropped, the fans began their “Let’s go Islanders!” chants.

The Intermission

Unlike in past years, fans were able to leave their seats after the horn sounded due to the emptiness of the concourse. Lines were short and distanced, which allowed fans to spend more time enjoying the intermission from their seats. One special feature was the food trucks outside of the arena, which provided fans with a unique eating experience.

The Second Period Downfall

The human side of the Islanders prevailed in the second period. They made several mistakes, highlighted by missed passes, odd man rushes, turnovers and a goal that Semyon Varlamov should have saved. Islanders fans made it clear that they were disappointed with the team’s play by booing the players with 10 seconds left in the period. However, the angry fans cooled down during the intermission, and the Islanders seemed to do the same.

The Third Period

As soon as the players hit the ice to begin the third period, the fans made it their duty to create a spark. Nothing notable happened for the first seven minutes of the period, as time became the Islanders’ enemy. The Coliseum was losing its energy, until Michael Dal Colle scored with approximately 12 minutes remaining, bringing life into the Coliseum.

With around six minutes left Sebastian Aho cut the deficit to one goal, adding to the energy that Dal Colle gave the fans. However, they knew the mission was not complete, as the Islanders then had only around six minutes to tie the game.

(Image via Taiwan News)

The Third Goal

On a historic night, the fans knew how much a win would mean to them. They were screaming as loud as they seemingly could to try to motivate the team. At approximately eighty seconds after Aho’s goal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau won an important faceoff. Eventually, the puck found its way to Nick Leddy, who took a shot that Carter Hart knocked away. The Coliseum crowd stayed on the edge of its seat, as Islanders rookie Oliver Wahlstrom parked himself by the side of the net. He quickly shot on the puck on goal, and the rest was history.

Wahlstrom’s goal sent the Coliseum into a frenzy. The place had 1,300 fans, but it sounded like 10,000 were attendance. I will forever cherish that moment after waiting so long to be back home.

(Image via Lighthouse Hockey)

The Unfortunate Ending

After bringing the Coliseum crowd back to life, the Islanders got an unlucky break as Oskar Lindblom scored with approximately two minutes remaining. The Islanders would end up losing the game 4-3.

My Overall Perspective

Despite the loss, the Islanders did something special that night. They put on a show for the fans they love. After a year away from the Coliseum, I greatly appreciated the experience. The amazing view of the comeback and Wahlstrom’s goal celebration will never escape my memory. Although they did not play their best game, the Islanders gave us hope and created an amazing moment for fans.

John Smark