It was an eventful 2021 for the New York Islanders with a bunch of highs and lows. As 2022 is beginning, let’s recap and take a look at the top five moments from 2021!

#5 – Nassau Coliseum Welcomes Fans Back After COVID-19 Shutdown

The National Hockey League shut down in March of 2020. It wasn’t until March 11, 2021 when the Islanders welcomed fans back — 1,000 Northwell Healthcare Workers. Days later, on March 18, Islanders’ fans were allowed in but only at 10 percent capacity. But capacity gradually increased. Not only was this a big step for the Islanders’ organization, but for the citizens of Long Island. It showed some normalcy in the world as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. Come playoff time, Nassau Coliseum was full. The Barn was rocked one last time.

#4 – Mathew Barzal Goes Between Legs For Goal

How can this not be a top moment? Islanders’ superstar Mathew Barzal went to work on Buffalo Sabres’ defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and went between the legs to beat Sabres’ netminder Carter Hutton. Barzal’s move generarted a ton of media attention.

“You’re going to see a lot of it on replays tonight on a lot of the hockey channels. That was huge for us,” Islanders’ head coach Barry Trotz said after the game. TheScore ranked Barzal’s goal the third best play of 2021.

#3 – Islanders Make Back-to-Back Final Fours

In 2020, the Islanders made a historic run by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 37 years. Was it a fluke? Absolutely not. A season later, the Islanders did it again. The Islanders went 32-17-7 last season which powered them to a first-round playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who they took down in six games. Next up was the Boston Bruins in the second round of the NHL playoffs. The Islanders won in six games once again. The Islanders advanced to the next round against the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was a battle the whole way but the Islanders fell short in Game 7.

#2 – Ryan Pulock Saves Game 4 & Anthony Beauvillier Wins Game 6 In Overtime

With seconds left in Game 4 against the Lightning, Islanders’ top defenseman Ryan Pulock made one of the greatest game-saving saves in NHL history.

A few days later, with the Islanders trailing the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in the series, Game 6 went to overtime. Anthony Beauvillier scored the biggest goal in recent Islanders’ memory. It was only right that this was the way the Islanders sent out Nassau Coliseum. After the goal, fans threw their cans onto the ice in celebration.

#1 – The Opening of UBS Arena at Belmont Park

This past November, the Islanders opened up their brand new, state-of-the-art facility in UBS Arena. It was all, everything and more than what Islanders’ fans expected. As Islanders’ play-by-play announcer, Brendan Burke said: “a 30-year saga has come to an end.” This was most deserving of the best moment of 2021 as it is one of the best moments in this franchise history.

2021 was one of the best years ever for the Islanders and their fans. The Isles began 2021 with a win over the New York Rangers on Jan. 14 and ended 2021 with a win against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 30. The Islanders will look to carry over some momentum from 2021 over to 2022 and make the playoffs this season.

Jacob

Writer for Drive4Five covering the New York Islanders.