Islanders Looking to 'Harness' Energy from Coliseum for Game 3

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of a playoff hockey game.
Moreso, there's nothing quite like the electrifying atmosphere of a playoff hockey game at Nassau Coliseum. Since 1972, the Coliseum has been a location of unity for the Long Island community, fusing their unwavering passion for the New York Islanders and has rightfully earned a reputation around the league as one of the toughest buildings to play in for away teams.
"We play this game not only for chasing our dreams, but also for the fans," Matt Martin said. "Having them back in the building is really important. Whether it's a home game or an away game, the fans are what make playing the sport really special and they make it a lot more fun for us."

Upon splitting Games 1 and 2 of their First Round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Islanders are thrilled to be returning home for Games 3 and 4 on Thursday and Saturday. During the regular season - which didn't allow fans in the stands until March 11 - the Islanders did their duty on home ice. They finished the 56-game slate as one of only five teams in the league to reach at least 21 home wins with their 21-4-3 record.

They're hoping to harness that success in this ever-important set of home games against the Pens, with the series tied 1-1.
"It shouldn't be a friendly place to come in and have fun for the opposition," Islanders Head Coach Barry Trotz said of playing at the Coliseum. "We just need positive energy from our fans and they'll bring it tonight. We're going to need every ounce of them and we'll try to give every ounce of what we have."
The return of fans in the stands this season has meant more than just filling the vastness of an empty arena. It has promoted the widely welcomed return of the buzz that creates a galvanizing atmosphere. One that so finely revs the intensity of the world's best teams vying for the Stanley Cup and bolsters the already heated emotional and physical momentum that accompanies the likes of playoff hockey.
"The Coliseum comes alive this time of year," Cal Clutterbuck said. "We're going to be looking to harness a lot of that energy and apply it to the game tonight. We're excited to get out there."

The Islanders got a firsthand taste of fans back in the stands for playoff hockey for the first time since 2019 as the Pens' PPG Paints Arena increased capacity from 25% in Game 1 to 50% and an attendance of over 9,000 in Game 2.
The Islanders, who were on the receiving side of a 2-1 loss in Game 2 on Tuesday night, felt the impact the return of fans had in the building and it made them that much more eager for their turn on Thursday. They're looking forward to a boost of their own as the Coliseum will welcome upwards of 6,000 passionate fans into the building for Game 3.
"For the last little while it's been quiet, now, I've got people yelling at me and the team and each other and you can't hear on the bench," Trotz said. "It's a good feeling to be back to that. It brings juice to the game. It brings emotion. It brings all that. We're in the business of emotion, that's what sports is. And there's some Grade A emotion on both sides; the good, bad and the indifferent because it's an emotionally charged game. I'm glad to have the fans back. It really is a delight to be back behind the bench. You can't hear yourself think at times because the crowd is great. That's what we're looking forward to when we get back to the Island. Our fans will give us that boost that we need to get over the top."
As much as the Islanders are eager to move into their new home at UBS this fall, the team is only concerned about the present, where they've earned themselves the chance to go one last - and hopefully long and successful - run at the Coliseum.
"This is it," Clutterbuck said. "Let's finally send it off with a bang."