As the final seconds of game five in Raleigh Tuesday night wound down, all Islanders fans were praying that the Islanders could stay alive and extend the series.
Especially the 17,255 fans who have tickets for game six on Friday night, and thanks to the Isles’ 3-2 victory, UBS Arena will be rocking as the Islanders now have a chance to come home, tie the series, and force a decisive game 7 in Carolina.
But first things first, and that’s Islanders Country trying to blow the roof off of UBS Arena on Friday night.
“Our fans are phenomenal, let alone in playoffs,” said captain Anders Lee during media availability Wednesday at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
“They bring an incredible atmosphere.It’s fun to get some playoff hockey in our new building. It’s going to be no different [on Friday]. It’s a lot of fun. This is what it’s all about for us as players and for the fans so let’s get after it. It’s going to be a good night.”
The Islanders returned home to Long Island after the game on Tuesday night. They were not on the ice Wednesday but did gather to meet and look at video. They’ll have an extra day to get ready for game six and that also gives the fans some more time to get pumped up.
“It’s going to be nice,” said defenseman Noah Dobson. “The building is going to be electric. We’re all excited to go home.”
After the Islanders did not make the playoffs last season, UBS Arena hosted it’s first two Stanley Cup Playoff games over the weekend, a 5-1 Islanders win in game three on Friday night and a 5-2 loss in game four on Sunday afternoon.
For both games, the atmosphere was outstanding and the fans did their best to make it feel like a playoff game at Nassau Coliseum.
And now with the Islanders still alive, you can be sure the fans are going to bring it again.
“I expect the same,” said head coach Lane Lambert. “Just loud and supportive. We look forward to it.”
To the 17,255 who will be in the building Friday night…
…you know what to do!