New York Islanders

The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the “Isles”) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at UBS Arena.

Key Facts

Championships and Achievements

Significance

The Islanders are one of the NHL’s most storied franchises: - Won four consecutive Stanley Cup championships (1980-1983) - One of only nine dynasties recognized by the NHL in its history - 19 consecutive playoff series wins between 1980 and 1984 remains a professional sports record - Last team in any major professional North American sport to win four consecutive championships - Last NHL team to achieve a three-peat

Home Arenas

The Dynasty

The Islanders’ dynasty of the early 1980s featured: - Mike Bossy: Elite goal scorer, 50 goals in 50 games in 1981 - Bryan Trottier: Hart Trophy winner, Selke Trophy winner - Denis Potvin: Norris Trophy-winning defenseman - Clark Gillies: Power forward and captain - Billy Smith: Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender - Al Arbour: Hall of Fame coach - Bill Torrey: Hall of Fame general manager

Rivalries

The Islanders maintain rivalries with: - New York Rangers (local, “Battle of New York”) - New Jersey Devils (geographic) - Philadelphia Flyers (divisional, historic playoff battles) - Pittsburgh Penguins (1980s-1990s battles, modern playoff matchups) - Washington Capitals (Easter Epic, divisional) - Toronto Maple Leafs (historic playoff battles)

History

Origins (1972)

The NHL Comes to Long Island

In fall 1972, the emerging World Hockey Association (WHA) planned to place its New York team, the New York Raiders, in Nassau County’s brand-new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. County officials, not considering the WHA a major league, wanted to keep the Raiders out.

William Shea, who had helped bring Major League Baseball’s New York Mets to the area a decade earlier, was enlisted to bring an NHL team to Long Island. Shea immediately found NHL president Clarence Campbell receptive to adding a second team in New York. The bid faced opposition from the New York Rangers, who did not want additional competition in the New York area.

Eventually, Campbell and Shea persuaded the Rangers’ owners, Madison Square Garden, to reconsider. Rangers’ president Bill Jennings weighed pros and cons: - Another local NHL team would owe territorial compensation to the Rangers - A WHA team would owe the Rangers nothing unless included in a potential NHL-WHA merger - Consenting to the establishment of an NHL franchise in suburban Nassau County would help ensure the Rangers’ fanbase within New York City proper would continue to support the older franchise

On November 8, 1971, the NHL awarded a Long Island-based franchise to clothing manufacturer Roy Boe, owner of the American Basketball Association’s New York Nets.

Franchise Terms

• Franchise fee: $6 million
• Territorial fee to Rangers: $5 million
• An expansion franchise was also given to Atlanta (the Flames) to balance the schedule

The New York Islanders name was unveiled on February 15, 1972. Many expected the team to use “Long Island Ducks” after the Eastern Hockey League team, but the Islanders name was chosen instead.

Early Years and Building (1972-1974)

First Season (1972-73)

The Islanders’ first win came on October 12, 1972, in a 3-2 game against the Los Angeles Kings. However, the expansion team struggled, posting a record of 12-60-6: - Set an NHL record for most losses in a season - Finished last in the East Division - Secured the first overall pick in the 1973 draft

Key Personnel: - General Manager: Bill Torrey - Head Coach: Phil Goyette (fired mid-season), replaced by Earl Ingarfield - First Captain: Ed Westfall - First Draft Picks: Billy Harris (1972), Denis Potvin (1973)

Building Through the Draft

Bill Torrey committed to building the team through the draft rather than trading for veterans: “I told the owners that we’re not going to beat this team next door by taking the castoffs from other teams. We’d have to develop our own stars.”

In 1973, Montreal Canadiens GM Sam Pollock offered lucrative trades including cash for the first overall pick to select defenseman Denis Potvin. Torrey refused and selected Potvin, who became the foundation of the franchise.

Ascendancy and Playoff Disappointments (1974-1979)

First Playoff Appearance (1974-75)

With the additions of Clark Gillies and Bryan Trottier through the draft, the Islanders made one of the biggest turnarounds in NHL history: - Record improved from 19-41-18 to 33-25-22 - 32-point improvement - First playoff berth

Historic Comeback: In the preliminary round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Islanders rallied from down three games to none to win the series in seven games. J.P. Parise scored just 11 seconds into overtime of the deciding game.

In the next round against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Islanders again rallied from 3-0 down to force a seventh game before losing.

Division Titles and Playoff Heartbreak (1976-1979)

The Islanders established themselves as a regular season powerhouse: - First 100-point season in 1975-76 (four consecutive 100-point seasons followed) - First division titles in 1977-78 and 1978-79 - Best record in NHL in 1978-79 (116 points)

Playoff Disappointments: Despite regular season dominance, the Islanders suffered repeated playoff upsets: - 1976, 1977: Lost in semifinals to Montreal Canadiens - 1978: Lost in quarterfinals to Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 overtime - 1979: Lost in semifinals to New York Rangers (Rangers fans rocked the team bus after elimination)

Mike Bossy Addition: In the 1977 draft, Torrey selected forward Mike Bossy over Dwight Foster based on coach Al Arbour’s recommendation. Bossy won the Calder Trophy and scored 53 goals as a rookie.

The Dynasty (1980-1983)

First Stanley Cup (1980)

After the 1979 playoff disappointment, coach Al Arbour decided to focus entirely on playoff performance rather than regular season dominance. The team finished with 91 points (down from previous 100+ point seasons).

Key Trade: Before the playoffs, GM Bill Torrey traded longtime veterans Billy Harris and Dave Lewis to the Los Angeles Kings for center Butch Goring. Goring’s arrival is often called the “final piece of the puzzle.”

Playoff Run: - Defeated Los Angeles Kings 3-1 - Defeated Boston Bruins 4-1 - Defeated Buffalo Sabres 4-2 (including Bob Nystrom’s double-overtime winner in Game 2) - Stanley Cup Final: Defeated Philadelphia Flyers 4-2

Game 6: Bobby Nystrom scored in overtime to win the Cup. Bryan Trottier won the Conn Smythe Trophy. The Islanders were the first NHL team to win the Stanley Cup with Europeans (Stefan Persson and Anders Kallur) on its roster.

Second Stanley Cup (1981)

The Islanders dominated the 1980-81 season: - Mike Bossy scored 50 goals in 50 games (first player to do so since Maurice Richard) - 110 points in the regular season - Lost only three playoff games en route to the Cup

Stanley Cup Final: Defeated Minnesota North Stars in five games - Butch Goring won the Conn Smythe Trophy - Fans began taunting Rangers with “1940!” chants during semifinal sweep

Third Stanley Cup (1982)

The Islanders set a then-record 15 straight wins during the regular season and finished with 118 points (franchise record): - Mike Bossy scored 64 goals and 147 points (right wing record at the time)

Playoff Challenges: - Nearly eliminated by Pittsburgh Penguins in first round (down late in Game 5) - Swept Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks

Stanley Cup Final: Swept Vancouver Canucks in four games - First-ever coast-to-coast Stanley Cup Final - Mike Bossy scored the Cup-winning goal and won Conn Smythe

Fourth Stanley Cup (1983)

The 1982-83 season saw increased attention on the upstart Edmonton Oilers, whose young superstar Wayne Gretzky had shattered scoring records. The Oilers had a better regular season, but the Islanders swept them in the Stanley Cup Final.

Billy Smith won the Conn Smythe Trophy after shutting down the Oilers’ vaunted scoring machine. Gretzky failed to score a goal during the series.

Significance: After the series, Oilers players walked past the Islanders’ dressing room and were surprised to see the champions exhausted. This moment taught the young Oilers how much it would take to win the Cup. They would win five Stanley Cups in the next seven years.

Post-Dynasty (1984-1993)

The “Drive for Five” (1983-84)

The Islanders finished tied for best record in the Prince of Wales Conference and won their division. In the Stanley Cup Final, they faced Edmonton again, but this time the Oilers dethroned the champions in five games.

The Oilers ended the Islanders’ 19-series playoff winning streak - the longest in professional sports history.

Decline and Easter Epic (1984-1991)

The Islanders remained competitive but could not recapture dynasty form: - Lost division finals to Philadelphia Flyers in 1985 and 1987 - Easter Epic (1987): Lost to Washington Capitals in Game 7 of the division semifinals in quadruple overtime. Pat LaFontaine scored at 1:56 a.m. on Easter Sunday morning. Kelly Hrudey stopped 73 shots.

Key Departures: - Mike Bossy retired after 1986-87 season due to chronic back pain - Denis Potvin retired after 1987-88 season - Bryan Trottier was bought out after 1989-90 season

1993 Playoff Run

Under coach Al Arbour, the Islanders made a surprise run to the Wales Conference Final: - Defeated Washington Capitals in six games - Upset of Pittsburgh Penguins: Defeated the two-time defending champions in seven games on David Volek’s overtime winner - Lost to Montreal Canadiens in five games in conference final

This would be the Islanders’ last playoff series victory until 2016.

The Dark Years (1994-2001)

Management Issues

The franchise faced severe problems: - John Spano fraud (1996): Convicted fraudster briefly gained control of the team before being exposed by Newsday; sentenced to prison - Milstein/Gluckstern ownership: Budget restrictions led to trading popular players - The Fishstick Logo (1995): Briefly changed to a fisherman logo that fans hated; reverted after fan backlash

On-Ice Struggles

• No playoff appearances from 1995-2001
• Milbury Era: Mike Milbury served as coach and GM, making controversial decisions including trading away future stars

Wang Era and Rebuilding (2001-2016)

New Ownership

Computer Associates executives Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar purchased the team in 2000 for $187.5 million, providing hope for a turnaround.

Mike Milbury Moves

Milbury remained as GM initially: - Traded Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha (widely criticized) - Drafted Rick DiPietro first overall in 2000 (ahead of Dany Heatley and Marian Gaborik)

Rick DiPietro Contract (2006)

The Islanders signed goaltender Rick DiPietro to a 15-year, $67.5 million contract - believed to be the longest in NHL history at the time. Injuries would plague DiPietro throughout the contract.

Return to the Playoffs (2001-2007)

Under coach Peter Laviolette, the Islanders returned to the playoffs in 2002 and 2003, losing in the first round both times. Under Ted Nolan, they made the playoffs in 2007.

Garth Snow Era (2006-2018)

Backup goaltender Garth Snow retired to become GM in 2006. The Islanders: - Rebuilt through the draft - Selected John Tavares first overall in 2009 - Made playoffs in 2013, 2015, 2016

Tavares Era and New Arena (2009-2021)

John Tavares

The Islanders selected John Tavares first overall in 2009. He became the face of the franchise: - 2012-13 breakout: 28 goals, 38 assists in 48 games (lockout-shortened season) - Named captain in 2013 - Left as free agent for Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018 (highly controversial departure)

Move to Brooklyn and Split Home Games

Following the 2014-15 season, the Islanders relocated to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, the arena was not ideal for hockey, leading to: - Split home games between Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum (2018-19, 2019-20) - All home games at Nassau Coliseum in 2020-21 - Opening of UBS Arena in Elmont, New York in November 2021

New Management

Lou Lamoriello was hired as President of Hockey Operations in 2018, bringing his Hall of Fame pedigree from New Jersey and Toronto.

Barry Trotz was hired as head coach in 2018, fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with Washington.

Recent Success (2018-2023)

Barry Trotz Era

Under Trotz, the Islanders returned to prominence: - 2018-19: Swept Pittsburgh Penguins in first round; lost to Carolina Hurricanes in second round - 2019-20: Reached Eastern Conference Final, losing to Tampa Bay Lightning - 2020-21: Reached Stanley Cup Semifinals, losing to Tampa Bay Lightning

Patrick Roy Era (2024-Present)

Patrick Roy, the legendary goaltender, was hired as head coach in January 2024. Roy had previously coached the Avalanche and won multiple Stanley Cups as a player.

Historical Summary

The New York Islanders’ history reflects the ultimate hockey parable: building through the draft, enduring playoff heartbreak, achieving unprecedented success, suffering through decades of struggle, and ultimately finding renewed hope. Their dynasty remains one of the greatest achievements in NHL history, and their 19 consecutive playoff series wins remains a professional sports record that may never be broken.

Championships

Stanley Cup Championships (4)

1980 Stanley Cup

• Season: 1979-80
• Record: 39-28-13 (91 points)
• Coach: Al Arbour
• Conn Smythe: Bryan Trottier
• Key Trade: Butch Goring acquired from Los Angeles Kings before playoffs
• Final: Defeated Philadelphia Flyers 4-2
• Game 6: Bobby Nystrom scored in overtime to win the Cup
• Significance: First Stanley Cup in franchise history; first NHL team to win Cup with European players (Stefan Persson, Anders Kallur)

1981 Stanley Cup

• Season: 1980-81
• Record: 48-18-14 (110 points)
• Coach: Al Arbour
• Conn Smythe: Butch Goring
• Key Moment: Mike Bossy scored 50 goals in 50 games
• Final: Defeated Minnesota North Stars 4-1
• Significance: Lost only three playoff games; dominated postseason

1982 Stanley Cup

• Season: 1981-82
• Record: 54-16-10 (118 points, franchise record)
• Coach: Al Arbour
• Conn Smythe: Mike Bossy
• Key Moment: 15-game winning streak during regular season
• Final: Swept Vancouver Canucks 4-0
• Significance: First-ever coast-to-coast Stanley Cup Final; Bossy scored Cup-winning goal

1983 Stanley Cup

• Season: 1982-83
• Record: 42-26-12 (96 points)
• Coach: Al Arbour
• Conn Smythe: Billy Smith
• Final: Swept Edmonton Oilers 4-0
• Significance: Fourth consecutive championship; ended 19-series playoff winning streak that still stands as professional sports record

Conference Championships (6)

Division Championships (6)

The Dynasty Record

The Islanders’ 19 consecutive playoff series wins (1980-1984) remains: - Longest streak in NHL history - Longest streak in professional sports history - One more than the Boston Celtics’ 18 straight playoff series (1959-1967)

Playoff Series Streak Details

Streak Ended: Lost 4-1 to Edmonton Oilers in 1984 Stanley Cup Final

Near Misses

1984 Stanley Cup Final

• Lost to Edmonton Oilers 4-1
• Oilers began their own dynasty (5 Cups in 7 years)
• Ended Islanders’ “Drive for Five”

1993 Wales Conference Final

• Lost to Montreal Canadiens 4-1
• Last playoff series win until 2016
• David Volek’s heroics in previous round became legendary

2020 and 2021 Eastern Conference Finals

• 2020: Lost to Tampa Bay Lightning in six games
• 2021: Lost to Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games
• Closest to returning to Stanley Cup Final since 1984

Legendary Players and Key Figures

All-Time Greats

New York Islanders has been home to some of the most talented and iconic athletes in their sport’s history. These legendary players have defined the team’s identity and created moments that live on in collective memory.

Coaches and Leadership

The coaches and executives who have guided New York Islanders through different eras have been instrumental in shaping the team’s culture, strategy, and success.

Hall of Famers

Several individuals associated with New York Islanders have earned the highest honors in their sport, with inductions into halls of fame that recognize their exceptional contributions.

Rivalries and Competition

Overview

New York Islanders’s greatest rivalries have produced some of the most memorable moments in their sport’s history. These competitive relationships define the passion and intensity of the game.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of New York Islanders’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of New York Islanders’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of New York Islanders’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Stadium and Culture

Overview

New York Islanders’s home venue is more than just a playing field—it’s a cathedral of sport where traditions are upheld and memories are made. The atmosphere and culture surrounding the team create a unique fan experience.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of New York Islanders’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of New York Islanders’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of New York Islanders’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Fanbase and Culture

Overview

New York Islanders’s fanbase is among the most passionate in their sport. The culture, traditions, and community that have grown around the team represent a vital part of its identity.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of New York Islanders’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of New York Islanders’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of New York Islanders’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.