A new chapter in the Rangers-Islanders rivalry began Wednesday as the teams met at Barclays Center for the first time ever in the regular season. NY1's Jeanine Ramirez filed the following report.
They took to the ice in a battle for New York, the first time the crosstown rivals the Islanders and the Rangers faced off in Brooklyn. And to add to the intensity, the game went into overtime, and then a shootout. The Islanders eventually came out on top with a final score of 2-1.
"The shootout was incredible," said one fan outside Barclays Center. "Great experience to beat the Rangers the first time here Barclays Center."
"It was crazy," said another. "It was the first game at the Barclays Center, Islanders vs. Rangers. Fun atmosphere. Tight game the whole way."
"We should've won that game," said a third. "It was a great game though."
When the Islanders were the first to score, fans erupted in cheers. But the arena was just as loud when the Rangers tied it up. The sold-out crowd was pretty evenly split between fans of both teams.
"We grew up in Brooklyn, so it's nice to be back, but not under these circumstances. We should've won that game," said one fan outside Barclays Center.
"It was a great outcome. Played great. Great hockey. A hard-earned two points. Let's go Islanders," said another.
"You can't beat this. The city. Brooklyn. We're back in the house. This is so enjoyable," said a third.
After playing on Long Island for decades, the Islanders have a new home at Barclays Center. While many Long Islanders travel in, the team hopes to build a strong fan base in Brooklyn. Lots of new merchandise was created this season to reflect the new chapter in the teams's 44-year history. A black-and-white alternate jersey the Islanders introduced in Brooklyn has become a top seller in the NHL, and it'll be the uniform they wear the next time they take on the Rangers in January at Barclays Center.