Howie Rose On WFAN: Isles Fans Have Been As Loud This Year As I've Ever Heard Them

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Howie Rose, the television voice of the Islanders, joined WFAN host Steve Somers on Wednesday night to talk about the Islanders' success thus far this season.

Rose didn't hold back his enthusiasm for what the Isles are doing in their last season at Nassau Coliseum. The broadcaster believes that New York is in position to be successful for years to come.

"I've got to think they're for real," Rose said, "if only because I look for holes in their lineup and roster -- just to play devil's advocate -- and really don't find any. It's a totally different, much deeper team than we've seen for a long time on Long Island. I think they're gonna be a force, certainly within the division, for several years to come."

With the annual NHL Christmas break upon us, the Isles are off to a red-hot start. The revamped squad is 23-11-0 (46 points) and in second place in the Metropolitan Division behind the Penguins (49 points).

Rose loves the energy and enthusiasm in Uniondale, and remarked that the fans have taken their passion to new heights this season.

"It's been terrific," Rose said of the attendance at home games. "They've already, I think, sold out eight of 17. And there are quite a few more sellouts to come. All it took was winning ... All they ever wanted was a reason to believe. They've got it, they're back, they're being heard from.

"And I'm telling you, (Nassau Coliseum) has been as loud this year as I've ever heard it during the regular season. Ever."

Rose -- who also does play-by-play for the Mets on WOR 710 -- touched on the Amazin's with Somers, discussing the offseason moves and whether Wilmer Flores can be a capable starting shortstop.

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