The End Of The Coliseum

Um, you might want to check that graphic, NBC. I'm not sure who's running the show at that local NBC station, but there won't be a Game Eight in the Islanders-Capitals series after the Capitals defeated the Islanders 2-1 tonight in Washington. It was a vicious battle between these two teams, and the officials allowed the gladiatorial battles seen tonight by swallowing their whistles.

It's hard to believe, but the NHL's oldest building will no longer be in play next season with the Islanders moving to the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn. There were many memories at the building affectionately called the "Mausoleum", including four Stanley Cup celebrations, but the old barn has had its run and needs to be laid to rest. Yes, it's tough to let go after all these years, but with no new arena on the horizon, it's on to greener pastures.

I feel for the fans and the staff who worked at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. They get no say as to their following of the team or their employment. All they know is that the team that gave them something to relate in will no longer be there. Take, for example, this tweet from Miss Hjertkvist.

Not sure people realize how much this hurts and affects those who work for the team. Fellow #Isles employees, it's been real. Best of luck.

— Kristina Hjertkvist (@MsSwede12) April 28, 2015

That hits home when you read it and realize that Miss Hjertkvist's job literally evaporated when the final horn sounded in Washington tonight. It's those people who I feel for when considering the impact that tonight's Game Seven loss had on a community.

Unfortunately, the fans and arena staff mean little in the big business of filling seats, selling merchandise, and turning a profit in the NHL. While it might have been the NHL's worst arena considering its 1972 opening date, there's a certain kitsch to the arena that will be missed.

So it's time to say good-bye to the arena that once housed the ABA/NBA New York Nets. It's time to say good-bye to one of two venues in the USA that saw Pink Floyd's The Wall Tour in 1980. And it's time to say good-bye to the arena that saw the Islanders win four Stanley Cups.

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum: we won't see another one like it.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!