New York Islanders Daily: Barclays Center Effects Rangers Rivalry

Can something as simple as a stadium effect a rivalry? Some players believe it does for the New York Islanders vs New York Rangers rivalry.

Stadium drama is nothing new to the New York Islanders, they’ve been dealing with it for years. Is it really possible that an arena can really make a difference in a rivalry? Oddly enough yes it does make a difference.

Rick Nash of the Rangers said “I don’t know if it has the same feeling as going out to Nassau. That was hostile territory.”

Nash is right, nothing will compare to the old Nassau Coliseum. The way the arena was configured it felt like the fans were right on top of the players. On packed nights the place shook.

More from NY Islanders News

• Islanders Third Period Meltdown in Minnesota Ends Point Streak
• Islanders vs. Wild: Zach Parise returns to Minnesota (lineup, odds, +)
• Islanders vs. Jets Three takeaways: Ilya Sorok(ing) is my name
• Islanders vs Jets: Isles significant underdog in Winnipeg (lines, odds, +)
• Islanders: Brock Nelson Nets 4 in Dominant Win Over Montreal

The last game I ever went to at NVMC was Game 3 of the Capitals series when John Tavares scored the game-winner in overtime. I couldn’t hear the goal horn it was so loud. Now compare that to the Barclays Center and obviously, it’s not the same.

I went to a couple of playoff games last year and it got pretty loud but not as loud as the Coli, that’s for sure. That aspect definitely plays a role in the rivalry.

Although it’s still Islanders vs Rangers, they could play that on the frozen Hempstead Lake and still draw a big crowd.

Plus the scheduling makes a difference. They used to play each other eight times a year, now at only four times a year, the rivalry may have lost some of its luster.

Isles Tweet Of The Day

Our Stuff

Anders Lee on Boomer and Carton (Eyes On Isles)

Wait WFAN talked about hockey in February? Yes, they did! Check out Lee’s interview with the morning show

Next: Islanders Let Playoff Spot Slip Away Against Leafs

Other Stuff

Make or break zone (CBS)

Jeff Capellini writes how the Islanders are reaching a pivotal point in their season.