Martin and Lee expect an emotionally charged atmosphere at the Coliseum on Thursday night, but they're hoping to channel the energy into another home-ice advantage for the Islanders, who are 6-2-2 at the Coli. As the home team, they like their building a little hostile, regardless of opponent.
When asked to describe Islanders fans, Lee offered up this response:
"Extremely passionate. They love our team. They love the Island. Without them we have nothing," Lee said. "It'll be a fun night for everyone. Obviously there's a lot going on. For us it's another important hockey game. Another two points on the line."
That's the focus Barry Trotz has tried to instill. While the media presence tripled - perhaps quadrupled - for Thursday's morning skate, the Islanders coach wants his team to focus on a top-tier matchup against one of the league's premier teams.
"Obviously it's been played up," Trotz said. "The focus should be on the way we play, the focus should be on how we play and trying to get the two points. Play our game for 60 minutes, not deviate and get it on track a little bit."
Trotz said he wants his team to embrace the pressure of the big stage, as well as this time of year. Between the media attention and a tough three-game stretch that features Calgary, Toronto and Washington, Trotz sees this as a crucial test and perhaps even prep for the playoffs.
"Teams ramp it up and you get tested and there's a little more pressure," Trotz said. "It's something that you absolutely have to embrace. Don't be scared to go around games, you have to go through them and you have to embrace them and the effort that you're going to have to put forward to win them."
In more ways than one, it should certainly be a big night on Long Island.
