UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The Islanders have just begun processing another heart-wrenching playoff loss, but this forced foray into summer feels different.
This time the Islanders are leaving the only home rink they have known.
Outside Nassau Coliseum, which has hosted its final Islanders season, autograph seekers lingered for a final glimpse of their favorite skaters.
Inside, a pristine sheet of ice was still in place as the players endured one-on-one exit meetings over the past three days before sharing closing thoughts on the season.
As quickly as the handshake line dissipated after Monday’s 2-1 Game 7 loss at Washington, musings shifted to Brooklyn, where the Islanders will begin playing in just over five months.