Isles Fans Rock UBS Arena in Playoff Debut

UBS Arena passed plenty of tests in its first year.
Sightlines. Check.
Low ceiling. Check.
More bathrooms. Better food. Bigger seats. Check. Check. Check.
But there was one question that went unanswered in the inaugural season - how would it sound in a playoff game?
On Friday, we got the answer. Loud. Real loud.

"I didn't think anything would be like Nassau] Coliseum, but it was pretty damn close," Matt Martin said after
[the Islanders 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three
. "Our fans bring so much energy for us, and helped us tilt the ice, especially in that third period when we really needed a push. Just an unbelievable atmosphere - we love playing in front of these fans and in this building."

Given the way the regular season ended, with a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens to clinch a playoff berth, and the legacy of previous Islanders home playoff games, expectations were high heading into Friday's Game Three.
"Having been there for the 2021 playoff run, the atmosphere I witnessed was unbelievable," Michael Barsch said before the game. "I can't wait to be back with all the fans for that same energy in a brand-new building."
The energy began to stir up hours before puck drop, the Islanders hosted their fourth Plaza Party, presented by Heineken. Fans packed the outdoor venue, taking photos in front of the display of balloons and neon lights. Bobby Nystrom - better known as Mr. Islander - had a long line of fans excited to meet him ahead of Game Three. Ria, the Islanders in-arena host showed off her DJ skills to pump up the fans who arrived ahead of time.
Andrew Lobasso was one of the fans to arrive early, and was asked how far he'd go for free playoff tickets for Sunday's Game Four matchup, but the offer had one catch.
"They asked if they could shave my head for tickets," Lobasso said. "I said yes, no hesitation. I'm so excited."

Rally towels set the stage ahead of Game Three, creating a sea of orange in the arena bowl ahead of the matchup.
At 7 p.m., the lights in UBS Arena went dark and thousands of cell phone flashlights went on to illuminate the lower bowl and upper deck during the on-ice presentation.
The crowed warmed up its vocal chords before the game belting out the national anthem loud and clear, while waving their rally towels with pride in anticipation for puck drop.
When the first period began, it was clear that the atmosphere at UBS Arena had reached a new level. Every crowd reaction was amplified: from important clears on the penalty kill, powerful hits, big saves by Ilya Sorokin and more. Every moment - big or small - sent a ringing roar through the crowd. That was the kindling and in the second period, Casey Cizikas provided spark, converting a feed from Ryan Pulock, for the first-ever playoff goal at UBS Arena.
"That Cizikas goal was electric," Stephen Brustad said. "It lit the building on fire."

That fire turned into fireworks in the third period, as the Islanders erupted with four goals from Kyle Palmieri, Matt Martin, Scott Mayfield and Anders Lee in the span of 2:18 to break the NHL record for the quickest four-goal sequence in the postseason. The win got the Islanders on the board as they now trail the best-of-seven series 2-1.
"Tonight was a special night opening up playoff hockey at UBS," Palmieri said. "Our fans were into it, we were into it. Awesome atmosphere and a fun way to finish it off."
The fans were on their feet through the third period, waving their rally towels as the Islanders closed the door on the Hurricanes.
"I thought it was amazing," Head Coach Lane Lambert said after the win. "Our fans were great and we knew they'd be great. Definitely didn't disappoint."

Safe to say, the first-ever playoff game at UBS Arena embodied the passion and energy of the Nassau Coliseum.
"Back in 2015 we were here for the playoffs, it feels the same way," Arty Murray said. "New arena, same atmosphere, same fans."
"I've been looking forward to the first playoff game at UBS, it definitely lived up to the hype," Ryan Ritchie said. "We're shaking the stables at Belmont the way we used to rock the barn at the Coliseum."