Islanders Practice At MetLife Stadium: 'It's Hard Not To Smile'
Islanders Practice At MetLife Stadium: 'It's Hard Not To Smile'
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- The New York Islanders took the ice at MetLife Stadium on Thursday ahead of their Stadium Series game against the New York Rangers.
While the practice wasn't quite the level of their skate on Wednesday, Islanders players were excited to preview their home on Sunday.
"You look outside, it's hard not to smile when you're out there," Islanders forward Hudson Fasching said, taking part in his first skate since Jan. 25 due to a lower-body injury. "It feels great; I don't even really know how to explain it, it's just so much fun to be out there."
All hands were on deck at practice for a team photo before getting to work.
Forward Mathew Barzal was in attendance, he did not skate with the team following the first few moments on the ice after taking a maintenance day on Wednesday.
“I’m pretty confident he's going to be in the lineup on Sunday.” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said following Thursday's skate.
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This is not the Islanders' first rodeo outdoors, as they were among the first participants in the inaugural Stadium Series in 2014 at Yankee Stadium against the New York Rangers.
Brock Nelson, who scored the team's only goal in that game, is one of four players who remain on the roster.
"It's crazy to think it's been 10 years," Nelson said when reflecting on the experience. "It's such a unique experience, a lot of good memories walking around that place. I remember being in awe of the facilities the Yankees set up that we had."
Looking around the field, not only does the rink get its first taste of action, but more amenities also take the stage. In one endzone is a pair of NHL Street rinks that will allow fans the chance to play close to the pros. On the opposite end is an amphitheater, which will likely stage performances from the weekend's guests.
Another member of the Islanders who remains from 2014's game is Matt Martin.
In the years since Yankee Stadium, he's gotten married and has two kids. With the Islanders' families taking the ice after practice, for Martin, it makes it that much sweeter.
"Just as much as these games are just a cool experience for us as players, I think it's that much more a special experience. Whether it's your kids or loved ones, you get a lot of pictures, pictures with the other kids. It's something I'll look back on when it's all said and done," Martin said.
While the luster of outdoor hockey is too much to pass up, for the Islanders, two big points are on the line on Sunday. The team sits three points out of a playoff spot entering play on Thursday, and every game will matter for the Islanders if they want to make the postseason.
Captain Anders Lee says while being outside is a memorable experience, it's important to remember the task at hand.
"I think it does give me an opportunity to just process everything, understand the significance of the event, but at the same time, it's a big game for us," Lee said.
However, despite what's on the line on Sunday, the Islanders enjoyed living in the moment and making the most of their first time on the MetLife ice.