David Seifman breaks the story:
Developer Bruce Ratner has scored a major goal by landing the Islanders ice hockey team for his Barclay’s arena in downtown Brooklyn, sources said.
The announcement was expected at a press conference this afternoon with Ratner, Mayor Bloomberg, Islanders owner Charles Wang, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.
If true, the Islanders would almost certainly begin playing on the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush starting in the 2015–16 season, as the club’s lease at the current digs in Nassau County doesn’t expire for another three years.
Oh, and for those of you living beyond the East River, please take note: Geographically speaking, Brooklyn is indeed located on Long Island. (Culturally speaking? Fuhgeddaboudit!)
More here.