Partying fans at Coliseum don't expect Niederreiter

The NHL draft party at Nassau Coliseum was a circus Friday night. That was until the Islanders' fifth overall selection sent sparse applause and mass confusion throughout the arena.

More than 2,000 fans gathered to watch the draft on the JumboTron, celebrating beforehand at carnival-style booths and basking in fandom with one another.

When asked about the pick, most fans expected the Islanders to draft defenseman Erik Gudbranson (drafted third by Florida) or right wing Brett Connolly (drafted sixth by Tampa Bay). Fans erupted with cheers when general manager Garth Snow stood at the draft podium in Los Angeles and thanked the fans back home watching from the Coliseum.

The electricity of the crowd was pulled right out of it when right wing Nino Niederreiter, 17, was announced as the Islanders' pick. Many fans were left with furrowed brows and remained glued to the screen to get their first glance at the newest Islander.

"Everybody expected [defenseman] Cam Fowler," season-ticket holder Joe Nappi said. "I think people were shocked, disappointed, but the priority is getting a winger for Tavares."

Though Niederreiter was not well-known to fans, those who have seen him play supported the pick.

"I saw him in the Olympics and he was pretty good," said Rick Regan, who said he has been a fan for almost 30 years and attends 15 games a year. "So I'm happy about [the pick] - one of the only guys out here, I think."

With a cavalcade of kids in oversized No. 91 jerseys, an obstacle course, 30-foot slide and skeet ball game, the fans enjoyed a carnival-like atmosphere. The Islanders had a new take on a face-painting booth, selling fake handlebar mustaches in honor of Trevor Gillies. Gillies, John Tavares and Matt Moulson roused the crowd nearing draft time and showed off the team's new away jerseys, designed to bring back visions of the early-1990s teams.

"[The fans] may not know that much about Nino, but he had a great as an under-age player . . . and he's proven he can be a big player out there and be a big player up front we're looking for," Tavares said.

Gillies said: "To be honest, I have all the faith in our management and I don't know a lot about our fifth pick, but he was picked fifth overall for a reason and we're excited to welcome him into the family."

Gillies and Tavares spoke of the strong team chemistry and how they are eager to have Niederreiter added to the mix. Whereas Gillies acknowledged that he is beloved by fans and teammates for being a mentor as much as he is for being an enforcer, Tavares knows what it takes to make the transition from top pick to prime-time player.

"If you need help, don't be shy, don't be afraid to ask questions," Tavares said. "We're here to help."