New York Hockey Team That Played At Nassau Coliseum
The New York Islanders, also known as the Isles, are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The team was founded in 1972 and played its home games at the Nassau Coliseum until 2015, when they moved to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. However, the team has recently announced that they will be returning to the Nassau Coliseum for the 2020-2021 season.
The Early Years
The Islanders were founded in 1972 as part of the NHL's first expansion. They played their first game on October 7, 1972, against the Atlanta Flames, which they won 3-2. In their first season, the Islanders finished last in their division with a record of 12 wins, 60 losses, and 6 ties. However, they quickly became a winning team with the help of talented players like Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, and Denis Potvin.
The Dynasty Years
Between 1980 and 1983, the Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups, making them one of the most dominant teams in NHL history. This period of success is known as the "Dynasty Years." The Islanders were led by their captain, Denis Potvin, and other talented players like Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and Clark Gillies. In addition to these players, the Islanders had a strong supporting cast consisting of players like John Tonelli, Bob Nystrom, and Billy Smith.
The End of an Era
The Islanders' success came to an end in the mid-1980s, and they struggled to regain their former glory. In 2015, the team moved from the Nassau Coliseum to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This move was controversial, and many Islanders fans were unhappy with the new arena's location and design. The team's performance on the ice also suffered, and they missed the playoffs in four of the five seasons they played at the Barclays Center.
A Return to the Island
In 2018, the Islanders announced that they would be returning to the Nassau Coliseum for a limited number of games while a new arena was being built in Belmont Park. The move was welcomed by Islanders fans, who had missed the energy and atmosphere of the Coliseum. In 2019, the Islanders made their return to the Coliseum and played their home games there for the remainder of the season.
The Future of the Islanders
The Islanders' return to the Nassau Coliseum for the 2020-2021 season is an exciting development for Islanders fans. The team will play 28 of their home games at the Coliseum, with the remainder of their games being played at the Barclays Center. The Islanders are also expected to move to a new arena in Belmont Park in the near future. This new arena will provide the Islanders with a state-of-the-art facility and a permanent home on Long Island.
