Club History & Eras
17 entries in the New York Islanders compendium.
Club History & Eras — Era Chart
Mike BossyThe pure goal-scorer who powered the Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups.Denis PotvinThe captain who led the Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups and rewrote the record booJohn VanbiesbrouckThe resilient netminder who anchored the Islanders through a turbulent post-dynasty era.UBS ArenaThe Stable: The Islanders' modern home at Belmont Park.Barry TrotzThe defensive architect who steered the Isles through transition before being let go after1980-81 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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