The New York Islanders are two wins away from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1984. The 1980s were historic for the franchise as they won 4 consecutive Stanley Cups in 5 straight appearances.
But focusing on the present, the new-look Islanders are on the brink of reaching hockey glory once again. To do so, they will need to eliminate the defending champions.
New York has been a powerhouse in recent seasons, reaching the Semifinal round in consecutive years. While the team has current challenges to overcome, what is on the horizon for the organization is a significant point in their history as well.
In roughly 4 1/2 months, the Islanders will open their new arena. UBS Arena is currently under construction and is in prime real estate, located within Belmont Park. The arena is set to open in November and has a capacity of 17,000 for hockey. The team announced today that they have sold their allotment of around 15,000 season tickets, showing support from the rabid fanbase.
“Selling out season tickets is a true testament to this loyal fan base,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, which manages the arena. “This arena will bring the very best in both hockey and entertainment to fans across the region.”
According to reports, 50 of the arena’s 56 suites have been sold out and fewer than 240 seats are available in the Dime Club. For those not looking to purchase season tickets, the team announced that individual game tickets will still be sold. There is also a waiting list being made for those wanting to purchase season tickets as well.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman visited the arena during the early days of construction and toured the facility. Bettman commented that although Nassau Coliseum held a lot of prestige, its due date had long expired.
Bettman confirmed that UBS Arena would stage some marquee events, like the NHL Entry Draft and the All-Star game.
UBS Arena to Nassau Coliseum is a 14-mile drive through the Southern State Parkway. The arena reportedly boasts great sightlines and a loud, intimate bowl. There are also 8 bars with views of the ice and it will feature the largest arena scoreboard in New York State.
The Islanders’ current run is magical and they are set to be contenders for seasons to come. While the team may vacate the historic Nassau Coliseum, those involved with the team are looking forward to creating new and exciting memories, and hopefully, crown a Stanley Cup champion.
New York owns the third-best Stanley Cup odds, currently listed at +525 (10Bet). The Montreal Canadiens own the worst odds at +1000 (10Bet), while the Vegas Golden Knights own the best odds at +140 (10Bet).
Both New York vs. Tampa Bay and Vegas vs. Montreal are tied at two games apiece heading into Game 5.
