Longest Day of Work
Posted 9:38 AM ET | Comments 0
I have been going to Islander games on a regular basis for the past 7 seasons. You name the game or the special even and I was most likely there. Playoffs, Opening Night, special player nights you name it, I have been there. However, there is nothing like the anticipation that leads up to the first Islanders vs Rangers game of the year,, or any Islanders vs Rangers game for that matter.
Living in New York I have been lucky enough to witness great rivalries. Yankees vs Mets, Yankees vs Red Sox, Mets vs Braves the list can go on and on. However, nothing tops the Islanders vs Rangers rivalry. There is something about it that just changes people. Good friends, stop being good friends for that 24 hour period that leads up to the game and then follows it. In essence the fans exhibit the hate that their beloved teams have for each other as well.
This year is no different. With the events of the first preseason game along with the starts of both teams this turning into the first "Must Win" game for both teams. The Rangers are a team that seems lost and disorganized while the Islanders are exhibiting their new trade mark slogan of "grit, character and heart" and gelling as a team. The fans are not stupid, and they know what this game means.
It is not just two points on the line, its bragging rights and not just for the team but for its fans as well.
The Nassau Coliseum is going to be rocking tonight. The atmosphere is going to be like no other. The loudness triples that of any regular season game and doubles that of any Playoff game. The Chants of "Lets Go Islanders" will echo throughout the building and the players will hear it. The players will appreciate it.
Parents leave your kids at home because it could get ugly. These teams hate each other, and during game time their fans hate each other as well.
Now I ask you, how does one go through a day of working, knowing what is ahead of him for the night. Looks like I will have to find a way.
Living in New York I have been lucky enough to witness great rivalries. Yankees vs Mets, Yankees vs Red Sox, Mets vs Braves the list can go on and on. However, nothing tops the Islanders vs Rangers rivalry. There is something about it that just changes people. Good friends, stop being good friends for that 24 hour period that leads up to the game and then follows it. In essence the fans exhibit the hate that their beloved teams have for each other as well.
This year is no different. With the events of the first preseason game along with the starts of both teams this turning into the first "Must Win" game for both teams. The Rangers are a team that seems lost and disorganized while the Islanders are exhibiting their new trade mark slogan of "grit, character and heart" and gelling as a team. The fans are not stupid, and they know what this game means.
It is not just two points on the line, its bragging rights and not just for the team but for its fans as well.
The Nassau Coliseum is going to be rocking tonight. The atmosphere is going to be like no other. The loudness triples that of any regular season game and doubles that of any Playoff game. The Chants of "Lets Go Islanders" will echo throughout the building and the players will hear it. The players will appreciate it.
Parents leave your kids at home because it could get ugly. These teams hate each other, and during game time their fans hate each other as well.
Now I ask you, how does one go through a day of working, knowing what is ahead of him for the night. Looks like I will have to find a way.