Watch: Mass exodus of NY Islanders fans from UBS Arena with almost 10 minutes left in 7-1 loss to league-bottom Sabres

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Dec 24, 2024 10:50 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

There was a mass exodus at UBS Arena on Monday as the NY Islanders suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to the last-placed Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference.

The frustration among the Islanders' fanbase was evident, with boos echoing throughout the arena and chants expressing dissatisfaction with the team's management.

The Sabres, who had gone winless in 13 games, scored five times against the Islanders in the second period.

The NY Islanders' lack of energy and competitive spirit was palpable, leading fans to leave their seats in large numbers with 10 minutes still remaining in the game.

Watch the video here:

Chris Botta, a communications consultant for sports leagues, teams, and athletes, weighed in on the early exit of Islanders fans, pointing out the long, cold walk to Emerald.

He also noted that given the team's performance against the Sabres on the night, it was understandable why fans chose to leave early.

"It’s a long, cold walk to Emerald, and no one could blame Islanders fans tonight."

Whatever the reasons for the fans' early departure at UBS Arena, it certainly wasn't a pleasant sight for the team as they head into the holiday festivities. The NY Islanders enter the holiday period with a 13-5-7 record, at the bottom of the Metro Division.

The Isles next host the Pittsburgh Penguins (16-15-5) at UBS Arena on Saturday.

---

Buffalo Sabres end losing streak with dominant win over NY Islanders

The Buffalo Sabres ended their 13-game losing streak with a dominant 7-1 win over the Isles on Monday.

Beck Malenstyn and Jiri Kulich gave the Sabres a 2-0 lead in the opening period. The Sabres scored thrice more in the second period, with Jason Zucker netting a power play goal, followed by strikes from Zach Benson and Jack Quinn, extending the visitors' lead to 5-0.

With less than a minute to go in the period. Kyle Palmieri scored the only goal for the NY Islanders, reducing the deficit to 5-1. At 10:07 in the third period, Tage Thompson scored an empty-net goal to restore the Sabres' five-goal lead before Kulich added his second of the night, sealing Buffalo's dominant win.

The Sabres (12-19-4) next host the Chicago Blackhawks (12-21-2) at KeyBank Arena on Friday, after the holidays.