Club History & Eras
17 entries in the New York Islanders compendium.
Club History & Eras — Era Chart
Mike BossyThe machine who scored 50 or more goals in nine of his ten NHL seasons with the Islanders.Denis PotvinIslanders legend and Hall of Fame defenceman who led the team to four straight Stanley CupJohn VanbiesbrouckAmerican goaltender who played for five NHL teams and won the Vezina Trophy.UBS ArenaHome of the New York Islanders at Belmont Park.Barry TrotzDefensive-minded coach and fourth all-time in NHL wins.1980-81 Back-to-Back Stanley CupTwo Cups in two years, and Long Island was never the same.1970s Franchise Building EraA decade of patience built the island that would conquer the league.1979-80 First Stanley CupFour Cups, one goalie, a Long Island team that refused to blink.The 1980s Dynasty (Messier, Trottier, Bossy, Smith, Liit)Four Cups, one island, a dynasty that made Long Island the capital of hockey.Post-Dynasty Decline 1984-1989Four Cups in a row, then the ice cracked beneath them.The 1990s Rebuild EraFour Cups in the past, a decade of silence on the ice.The 2000s Playoff DroughtEleven seasons of watching from the stands while the puck belonged to everyone else.The 2010s Rebuild & Draft EraSeven long winters on Long Island before the rebuild finally broke through.1981-82 Three-Peat Stanley CupFour Cups in four years—Long Island's blue-and-orange dynasty at its absolute peak.2014-15 Playoff ReturnTwo years, two Pittsburgh walls: the Islanders' brief but blazing return to playoff ice.1982-83 Four-Peat DynastyFour banners, one island, and a dynasty that never needed to say its name twice.1972-73 Inaugural Expansion SeasonEighty games, one new arena, and a franchise learning to skate as one.
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