Islanders Players, Fans Revved Up For Game Six at UBS Arena

Before this postseason, UBS Arena and playoff hockey had not met. Now, New York Islanders fans are packing 'The Bank' like they did the old barn, as we witnessed for Game Three and Four last weekend. 

There was excitement throughout those two first games, more so at the end of Game Three after four goals in 2:18 led to a 5-1 victory than what transpired in Game Four's 5-2 loss. 

While excitement and nervousness flutters around the Elmont air as we approach Game Five, a potential elimination game for New York, there's an opportunity here in front of the Islanders faithful for this Islanders team to force a Game Seven. 

And the players are expecting nothing short of what Islanders fans have brought this entire season.

A spark.

"Our fans are phenomenal, let alone in playoffs. They bring an incredible atmosphere, and it was fun to get some playoff hockey in our new building," Islanders captain Anders Lee said. "And it's gonna be no different (Friday).

"It's a lot of fun. This is what it's all about, for us as players and for the fans. So let's get after it. It's gonna be a good night."

Bo Horvat has enjoyed his time at UBS Arena, and the fans have been nothing but supportive since he arrived following the All-Star break.

He's also made comments that have riled the fan base up in a good way, and he knows their importance in the postseason after his only playoff experience came in the bubble with no one in attendance. 

"The fans can back you so much, and they can give you so much life," Islanders forward Horvat said. "It was a lot more difficult that way with momentum swings and stuff.

"But yeah, it's been a lot different here, being in front of fans this time."

"The building is going to be electric. We are all excited," Noah Dobson said. 

Elimination brings uncertainty, and that has the Islanders' fan base feeling a few ways as we approach puck drop.

"I'm excited and confident," Twitter user @islesdave said. "Sorokin seemingly found his game in Game Five. They're wearing down. The longer this goes, the better our chances are."

Feeling more than one emotion at the same exact time is the norm.

"Simultaneously very excited and very scared as it can really go either way at this point," @rybrz said. 

As for the atmosphere at UBS Arena so far during the playoffs: "It’s incredible. And loud. Especially at the first game, where they won. Not sure if it’ll ever match the vibes of The Coliseum, but it’s extremely close."

Realism does settle in at some point, even for the most optimistic of fans.

"I think tonight is a total toss-up," writes @Kyle899905201. "Isles should come out with a lot of energy at home, but Carolina isn’t going to just concede this game to us tonight and worry about game 7."

Kyle is not wrong. The Hurricanes will not go down without a fight, even if their backs aren't the ones against the proverbial wall. 

"I’m hopeful, yet guarded," writes @MuzicHealsMe. "I think a couple of line tweaks and the players staying focused could make a big difference! Ilya being in beast mode helps greatly too, but he can’t score! Went to UBS last Friday, it was insane !! The crowd as a whole ebbed and flowed accordingly."

The Islanders barely got into the postseason this year, something that has become a common theme for this group over their last few playoff runs. 

We all know how 2020 and 2021 ended, with the Islanders smelling a Stanley Cup Final berth, but coming short of tasting it. 

"It’s spring, and the Islanders are in the playoffs. The last few seasons we have been so fortunate to have this team compete and come very close to winning a championship" writes @OSulr81. "Feeling very good about tonight. The Isles are 5-3 in Game 6’s since this core group faced Pitt in ‘13."

Fact check says Ray is indeed correct. 

At the end of the day fans, remember to enjoy the experience because you never know how many you will get.