Barry Trotz and his players have no real explanation for the Islanders’ early success at Nassau Coliseum as compared with road games, other than the general familiarity of being at home.
Game-day preparation is not much different. There are not yet fans allowed in either the Coliseum or the road buildings to create atmosphere.
But the Islanders enter Monday night’s home match against the Sabres – to start a stretch of nine of the next 10 at home – with a 4-0-1 record at the Coliseum. Overall, the 31 NHL teams had a combined home record of 138-88-34 entering Monday’s games.