New York Jets Celebrate Hockey Night on Long Island
Multiple New York Jets are taking advantage of the chance to enjoy playoff hockey in person.
As fans welcomed the New York Islanders back to UBS Arena on Friday night following an 0-2 start to their first-round postseason series in Carolina, a group of Jets’ players joined the fun at the rink.
In addition to Empire State product Jeremy Ruckert, quarterbacks Chris Streveler and recently-signed Tim Boyle were spotted wearing Islanders jerseys and enthusiastically cheering on the home team.
Second-year offensive lineman Max Mitchell and tight end Tyler Conklin were amongst those who attended as well.
In a video clip shared on social media, the Jets players appeared to consume adult beverages while rooting hard for the Isles.
As it turns out, some home-cooking was exactly what the Islanders needed.
With Gang Green providing support from the stands, the Islanders quintupled up the Hurricanes, 5-1, to earn their first win in the best-of-seven playoff series. It was the franchise’s first-ever postseason victory in its new arena.
“I thought our fans were great. I knew it would be great but they didn’t disappoint at all,” said Islanders’ head coach Lane Lambert during his postgame appearance at the podium.
Defenseman Ryan Pulock, who registered an assist in the much-needed win, also recognized the fan support.
"Fans were energetic. It was loud. It was nice to feed off that," said Pulock.
After their four-goal third period blitz on Friday night, the Islanders will look to even up their Stanley Cups Playoffs series on Sunday at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Unfortunately, when it comes to postseason play, the Jets own the longest drought of any franchise in the four major American professional sports leagues. Gang Green’s last NFL Playoffs appearance came in 2010 with Rex Ryan at the helm.
The Jets showed postseason potential before unraveling due to injuries and quarterback-related problems in 2022. Robert Saleh’s team jumped out to a 7-4 start, but ended the regular season on a six-game slide.
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