The New York Islanders won again last night at Barclays Center, improving their record to 6-2-1 with a 4-0 victory over Calgary.
Too bad only 11,582 fans were on hand to see it.
In fact, after six home games in the Isles’ new Brooklyn digs, average attendance is just 12,298, the lowest in the NHL.
Barclays Center’s capacity is 15,795 for hockey. The arena was originally built for basketball, as evidenced by its odd configuration and limited-view seats for Islander games.
Isles beat writer Arthur Staple (Newsday) had a few tweets on the subject this morning:
As for Barclays Center attendance, it hasn't been good. Nassau Coliseum attendance wasn't good either. Lots of reasons for both...
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) October 27, 2015
.. But those who say this was a move to boost attendance are simply wrong. It was a desperation move, plain and simple.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) October 27, 2015
To be sure, the Isles would’ve preferred to stay in Uniondale. The move to Brooklyn came after a long, unsuccessful effort to build a new arena in Nassau County. In 2012, the club signed an “ironclad,” 25-year lease to play at Barclays.
Of course, that “ironclad” lease hasn’t stopped speculation that the Isles may not be long for Brooklyn, and that they may one day return to their original home. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has tried to quell that speculation, but the unfavorable Barclays Center reviews haven’t helped.
The Isles’ next home game is Thursday versus Carolina.