1987 Conference Finals vs. Flyers

Lore & Background

By 1987, the New York Islanders were no longer the untouchable juggernaut they had been in the early eighties, yet their championship pedigree remained intact. The Philadelphia Flyers, riding a wave of momentum and youthful energy, represented the new guard eager to end Long Island's reign. The series was defined by physicality; the Flyers looked to wear down the aging Islanders stars with relentless forechecking and body contact, while New York relied on experience, discipline, and the legendary composure of their veterans. The narrative of this series is one of resilience. The Islanders had already lost a game early in the matchup, threatening to derail their season before it truly began. However, the core group—led by Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and Denis Potvin—refused to buckle under pressure. They utilized their superior two-way play to neutralize Philadelphia's speed, turning what could have been a shocking sweep into a masterclass in playoff survival. This matchup also highlighted the emergence of Ron Hextall in goal for the Flyers. Facing an Islanders attack that was hungry for one last run, Hextall provided the stability necessary for Philadelphia to weather the storm. His performance underscored why he would go on to win the Vezina Trophy that season, acting as the final line of defense that allowed his teammates to execute their game plan with confidence.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Nassau Coliseum was thick with tension and cigarette smoke, a familiar haze for any playoff night in the eighties. The Flyers had just taken Game One, sending shockwaves through the crowd that felt like a cold wind off Long Island Sound. In the locker room, Mike Bossy laced his skates slowly, the silence broken only by the rhythmic clink of metal on ice. He looked at Denis Potvin, who was taping his stick with the same methodical precision he had used for over a decade. 'They think they can break us,' Potvin said quietly, not looking up. 'Let them try.' The next night, under the bright arena lights, the Islanders didn't just play; they dominated, turning the tide with a defensive wall that seemed impenetrable.

Reader's Guide

The series began with a jolt as the Flyers won Game One, reminding everyone that the dynasty was vulnerable. However, the Islanders responded immediately in Game Two, settling into their rhythm at home to take control of the matchup. Game Three saw intense physical play, but New York's experience shone through. They managed to limit Philadelphia's scoring chances while capitalizing on key opportunities, pushing their lead to 2-1. The momentum shifted decisively as the Islanders took Game Four, showcasing a relentless offensive attack that overwhelmed the Flyers' defense. Philadelphia fought back in Game Five, keeping the series alive and forcing a decisive Game Six at Nassau Coliseum. The atmosphere was electric, with fans knowing this was likely their last chance to see another Stanley Cup Final. In a display of championship poise, New York dominated the final contest, securing a 4-2 series victory. This win sent the Islanders back to the Finals against Edmonton, proving that despite the passage of time, the core group still possessed the heart required to compete at the highest level.

Did You Know?

• The Islanders entered this series as former four-time Stanley Cup champions (1980–1983), but by 1987 they were no longer defending champions.
• Billy Smith won the Vezina Trophy in 1982, not the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the best defenseman.
• Mike Bossy continued his scoring dominance during the playoffs, maintaining one of the highest point-per-game rates in NHL history.
• The Islanders and Flyers would meet again in the very next postseason, facing off in the 1988 Patrick Division Semifinals.