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Roughly 24 hours remain until the puck drops at Nassau Coliseum, reigniting one of hockey’s greatest rivalries. But when the New York Rangers and New York Islanders take to the ice on Tuesday Night, there will not be many fans able to make the trip. While snow flurries now flutter aimlessly in a winter wonderland, the New York metropolitan area will be at the mercy of winter storm Juno tomorrow. Expecting 18-24 inches of snow, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has already issued a state of emergency with blizzard conditions sweeping the area, urging people to stay indoors and off of the roads. Yet, hockey will be played?
The NHL has to side with the governor and move the showdown on Long Island to Wednesday evening. Evan Roberts said on WFAN (New York Sports Radio) that “people will put their lives at risk” in order to root on their heroes. Roberts went on to say that he had done so before and would do so again if presented with a similar situation. The NHL needs to postpone the game and take the temptation away from the fans.
Nassau Coliseum is a place plucked right out of Robert Moses’ fantasy. Located in the Long Island suburb of Uniondale, the Coliseum is only accessible by car. While that may cater to the 1950s and 1960s American dream, the architect of suburbia did not take blizzards into consideration. Juno turns the trek into a treacherous nightmare.
Those lucky enough to make it down Hempstead Turnpike and around the sweeping turns of Charles Lindbergh Blvd. will see a “playoff game” played in a study hall environment. The atmosphere will not do the rivalry justice as much of the hostility lies within the crowd. This season marks the Isles’ last at the Old Barn. With just a couple of games remaining against the hated “Rags,” the Islanders should send the barn out with a bang. Playing tomorrow night will only deflate a building that can breathe so much life. With both teams soaring to the top of the Metropolitan Division, this game should be given the attention it truly deserves.
As the sky grows darker and the snow intensifies, the NHL remains silent and indecisive. Pierre McGuire has said that the Islanders will make a decision regarding the game tomorrow morning. There is no need to wait until tomorrow morning and there is no decision to be made. The NBA has cancelled the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets games tonight. Hofstra University and Nassau Community College, two schools within walking distance of the Coliseum, have already called off classes tomorrow. The NHL should follow suit and move the “Battle at the Barn” to Wednesday night.
