History of Flyers–Islanders rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 4, 2026

The Flyers–Islanders rivalry is an NHL rivalry fueled by proximity and playoff history. Originating in 1975, it peaked in the late 70s/early 80s with both teams as Stanley Cup contenders, meeting in the playoffs multiple times. After a period of decline, it briefly resurfaced in 2020 when they met for the fifth time in the playoffs. The rivalry is also influenced by the geographical proximity between Philadelphia and New York, similar to other rivalries involving the Flyers.

1967: Flyers Established

In 1967, the Philadelphia Flyers were established as an expansion team.

1972: Islanders Established

In 1972, the New York Islanders were established as an expansion team.

1974: Teams compete in the same division

Since the 1974-75 season, the Flyers and Islanders have competed in the same division.

1975: First Playoff Meeting

In 1975, the Flyers and Islanders met for the first time in the playoffs, marking the beginning of their rivalry.

1975: Flyers Defeat Islanders in Semifinals

In 1975, the Flyers, fresh off a Stanley Cup win, defeated the Islanders 4-1 in Game 7 of the semifinals after the Islanders rallied from a 3-0 series deficit. The Flyers then advanced to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

April 1980: Bill Lyon on the rivalry

In April 1980, Bill Lyon wrote about the Flyers-Islanders rivalry.

1980: Islanders Win First Stanley Cup

In 1980, the Islanders defeated the Flyers in six games to win their first Stanley Cup. The series was marked by controversy due to a missed offside call in Game 6.

1985: Flyers Defeat Islanders in Division Finals

In 1985, the Flyers defeated the Islanders in five games in the division finals, preventing them from a sixth-straight Stanley Cup Final appearance.

1985: Previous Playoff Matchup

The 1987 playoff matchup was preceded by a series in 1985.

1987: Playoff Matchup Decline

After the 1987 playoff matchup, both the Islanders and Flyers began to decline.

1987: Flyers Defeat Islanders in Seven Games

In 1987, the Flyers defeated the Islanders 5-1 in Game 7 of the division finals, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

1989: Islanders Miss Playoffs

In 1989, the Islanders missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

1990: Flyers Miss Playoffs

In 1990, the Flyers missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.

1992: NHL Reorganization

In 1992, the NHL was reorganized, leading to the elimination of the Patrick Division, where the Flyers and Islanders competed.

1993: Islanders in Eastern Conference Finals

In 2020, the Islanders advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1993.

1994: Flyers Playoff Streak Begins

The Flyers began an 11-season playoff streak in the 1994-95 season.

2001: Peter Botte on the Patrick Division

In 2001, Peter Botte of the New York Daily News commented on the fierce Islanders-Flyers rivalry within the Patrick Division.

2008: Flyers Win Streak Begins

The Flyers started a 15-game win streak over the Islanders from 2008-2010.

2010: Flyers Win Streak Ends

The Flyers' 15-game win streak over the Islanders ended in 2010.

2013: Teams in Metropolitan Division

In the 2013-14 NHL season, the Flyers and Islanders competed in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.

2020: Playoff Resurgence

In 2020, the Flyers and Islanders met for the fifth time in the playoffs, signaling a resurgence in their rivalry.

2020: Islanders Defeat Flyers in Playoffs

In 2020, the Islanders defeated the Flyers in seven games in the Eastern Conference second round.

2025: Flyers Record Undefeated Streak

As of 2025, the Flyers still hold the North American sports record for a 35-game undefeated streak in the 1979-1980 season.

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