Playoffs Return To The Coliseum

After four years, playoff hockey returned to Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday. If anything, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Wednesday's game one was the hottest ticket on Long Island, with anticipation building for the first playoff game on Long Island since April 2015. It had all the trademarks of an Islanders playoff game, complete with a tailgate, rally towels and rowdy fans. If you weren't there, you missed out, but luckily we have a few more of these.
"We've been getting asked about it obviously since we came back in December. Obviously, this was a different level," Cal Clutterbuck said. "You think you remember how loud it is until you get back into it. It's awesome. I hope people continue to show up and support us that way."

THE ANTICIPATION:

THE TAILGATE:

SHIRTS AND TOWELS:

The Islanders laid free shirts on all the seats ahead of Wednesday's game one and handed out rally towels at the door. Is there a better playoff aesthetic?

WARMUPS/ANTHEMS:

The doors opened at 6 p.m. and the crowd filed in early. Have to get here early to get a good seat for warmups.

THE GAME:

Playoff hockey. Nothing better.