Saturday night marked the final Islanders-Rangers game Nassau Coliseum and fittingly the Islanders closed this chapter of their storied rivalry with a shutout win.
The rivals clashed at the Coliseum 132 times in the regular season, with fans from both teams filling the building to create the unique derby atmosphere. The Islanders hold a 68-51-8-5 record all-time vs the Rangers at the Coliseum.
"It's such a great rivalry," Bailey said. "Myself personally and all the guys who've had a chance to be a part of that rivalry, our fans most importantly, got to enjoy it over the years here. We'll close this chapter and I'm sure there will be other stories to write at the new arena. But for now, we're just happy to clinch and we'll just move forward."
Both Islanders and Rangers players shared their affections for the building prior to Saturday's game and it was only fitting that the Islanders emerge victorious in the final meeting. Trotz said he made a point of driving that home to his team before the game, especially for longtime Isles like Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck and Brock Nelson.
"I thought it would be appropriate that we came with a really solid effort of the last meeting in this building," Trotz said. "I think this building has some personality and it's fitting that the last game against the Rangers, which is your rival, that you get a victory in this building. I thought it was important to that group of players who think about this building as home."