Stupid Hockey

Local Residents Help The New York Islanders Relocate

On Monday the residents of Nassau County, New York voted down an opportunity to help the New York Islanders build a new home. The Islanders, who currently play at Nassau Coliseum, were hoping the residents would support the $400 million dollar referendum and they could begin play when their current lease expires in 2015. 

(Nassau Coliseum has been the Islanders home since 1972)

I'll come right out and say it. This is the end of the New York Islanders and it's about time. Sure they won four Stanley Cups in the 80's but since then Islanders have been one of the biggest jokes in hockey. It's not the fault of ownership, they love the team and have spent money. Unfortunately, the money has gone to waste (see Rick DiPietro and Alexi Yashin) on players and in turn we have seen a lack of success on the ice. 

In a division with the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New Jersey Devils, the Islanders have struggled. The Isle last made the playoffs in the 2006-2007 season when they snuck into the 8th spot, edging out the Toronto Maple Leafs by a point. Since then they have finished last in the Atlantic Division every year and have not finished better than 13th in the Eastern Conference. The 06-07 season also marked the last time the Islanders reached 40 wins and have not broken 35 wins since 2007-2008. The lowest point came during the 2008-2009 season when they recorded 26 victories. 

A team with a rich history now must looks towards the future. They have a franchise player in John Tavares, he's been one of the few bright spots in recent years. Now it's time to move the team to a new city and give them a fresh start. In light of the recent Atlanta move to Winnipeg, here are a few options for the Islanders come 2015-2016 season:

• Quebec: It seems the NHL is now giving cities a second chance so why not Quebec. The taxes are not ideal for the players but it's a hockey passionate city and with the salary cap it could be competitive this time around. They need a new arena to make it happen but it's still an option.
• Hartford: Bring back the Whalers? It's unlikely. Insurance companies are moving out of the city so money won't be spent the way it needs to be. Not to mention they sell more apparel for this team now that it's vintage than they will if they come back.
• Seattle: They love their sports in the Pacific Northwest so it could be a good fit. Not far from Vancouver or the California teams would make travel easier and it's near the technology industries so money exists. If the current owners keep control this is not likely to happen but it would be nice to see. 
• Kansas City: They have baseball and football but nothing to do from January to April, why not hockey? Located in the midwest they are accessible to every team but it becomes a matter of having the fan base to support another franchise. It could happen but it's not likely. 
• Columbus, Ohio: Just kidding.

Who knows where the Islanders will end up in the future but this is a pretty clear sign the people in Nassau County are no longer interested. If it's possible, the team should consider breaking the lease but in the meantime it will be fun to speculate where the Islanders will be moving in 2015.

It's up to you, if you could move the team, where would you move them to? Leave a comment!

A Night at Madison Square Garden

I was fortunate enough to receive tickets to the Pittsburgh Penguins v. New York Rangers last night at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins won 4-3 in a shootout but that's not the real story here. 

(The New York Rangers during warmups at MSG)

Madison Square Garden (MSG) is home to the New York Rangers and New York Knicks. Known as the "World's Most Famous Arena", MSG is in the heart of New York City, 8th Avenue & 31st Street. It sits on top of Penn Station making it accesible for anyone coming from out of town (1:25 minutes from Philadelphia) via Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, or by subway.

What Makes It So Great?

It could be the Prime Rib sandwich located near Gate 76 but I wouldn't know. It has the longest line I have ever seen for anything at a sporting event (The line for Crab Fries at Citizens Bank Park is pretty long too) so I have never had one.

I don't think there is one thing that makes it great. It's not a new arena, not by any means (although upgrades are coming). The Garden, as it's known by New Yorkers, was built in February of 1968 and by the looks of it, has had minimal updates. 

In my opinion what makes it great is the atmosphere. Every arena has its own buzz but there is something about being in New York City seeing an original six team play that makes it electrifying. During the week, the lower bowl is filled with men and women in suits. The bustle of Wall Street is alive and you can feel it in the arena. As you work your way up the less expensive seats (my ticket in the 300's was $56), you'll find the the die hard fans, more concerned with the game than how the stock market did. The combination of the two groups is exciting and something to make a note of.

A real experience is sitting in the "Blue Seats". The highest level of The Garden (excluding sky box) seats, the are the least expensive, have obstructed views and some of the most passionate fans you will ever see. How high? I can touch the ceiling in when I'm up here. 

(View from the 300's during the second period)

I have been fortunate enough to see games all over. Each arena has something special about it and a certain feel. Seeing a game in Montreal is like seeing a show. A game in Philly, it's tougher to find more passion. New York City is one of the best places to watch an NHL game. If you have the chance, don't pass it up!

*Because of the this ridiculous winter weather, I have decided to offer a discount at our Stupid Hockey Store. Enter the code "WISS" and receive 10% off! Stay warm and be safe on the roads!