History of New York Islanders in Timeline

The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team located in Elmont, New York, competing in the NHL's Metropolitan Division within the Eastern Conference. Playing their home games at UBS Arena, they are one of three NHL teams in the New York metropolitan area. The Islanders' fanbase is primarily situated on Long Island.

1941: Toronto Maple Leafs Comeback

In the 1974-75 season, the Islanders rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, mirroring a feat previously achieved by the 1941-42 Toronto Maple Leafs.

1959: Long Island Ducks

From 1959 to 1973, the Eastern Hockey League team, the Long Island Ducks, played.

November 8, 1971: NHL Awards Franchise to Long Island

On November 8, 1971, the NHL awarded a Long Island-based franchise to Roy Boe, owner of the New York Nets.

February 15, 1972: New York Islanders Name Unveiled

On February 15, 1972, the New York Islanders name was unveiled at a press conference.

September 1972: Waiting for Facilities

By September 1972, the Islanders were waiting for the Nassau Coliseum and their practice facility, "The Royal Ice Rink", to be completed.

October 12, 1972: First Win

On October 12, 1972, the New York Islanders achieved their first win, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 3-2.

1972: Bill Torrey Named General Manager

In 1972, Bill Torrey was named the New York Islanders' general manager. The Islanders secured veteran players and drafted junior hockey stars.

1972: Team Founded

In 1972, the New York Islanders were founded as part of the NHL's effort to prevent the World Hockey Association from placing a team in the newly constructed Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

1972: WHA Plans New York Team

In the fall of 1972, the World Hockey Association (WHA) planned to place its New York team, the New York Raiders, in Nassau County's new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

January 18, 1973: Defeat Stanley Cup Champions

On January 18, 1973, the New York Islanders defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins 9-7.

October 27, 1973: First Win Against Rangers

On October 27, 1973, the New York Islanders secured their first win against the New York Rangers, and Denis Potvin scored his first NHL goal.

1973: Long Island Ducks

From 1959 to 1973, the Eastern Hockey League team, the Long Island Ducks, played.

1974: Draft Picks

In 1974, the Islanders drafted forwards Clark Gillies and Bryan Trottier to continue Torrey's building plan.

1975: Climb up the Standings

In the 1975-76 season, the Islanders earned 88 points, marking a significant turnaround and securing their first playoff berth.

1976: 100-Point Season

In 1976, the New York Islanders achieved their first 100-point season and were knocked out in the Stanley Cup semi-finals.

1977: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 1977, the New York Islanders were knocked out in the Stanley Cup semi-finals for the second year in a row.

1977: Draft Pick: Mike Bossy

In the 1977 NHL Draft, the Islanders selected Mike Bossy. In the 1977-78 season, Bossy became the third Islander to win the Calder Trophy, and scored 53 goals that season, a rookie record at the time.

1978: Best Record in NHL

In 1978-79, the Islanders finished with the best record in the NHL. After the game 6 elimination from playoffs, Rangers fans rocked and threw objects at the team's bus.

1979: Playoff Disappointment

After the Islanders' regular season dominance in 1979, coach Al Arbour focused the team's energy on how they would perform in the playoffs.

1980: Butch Goring Trade

Before the 1980 playoffs, the Islanders traded for Butch Goring, whose arrival is considered the 'final piece of the puzzle'.

1980: Stanley Cup

In 1980, the Islanders dropped below the 100-point mark for the first time in five years, earning only 91 points, but they won the Stanley Cup.

1980: Stanley Cup Championship

In 1980, the New York Islanders won the Stanley Cup, marking a significant breakthrough for the team.

1983: Stanley Cup Championship

In 1983, the New York Islanders secured another Stanley Cup championship, continuing their dominant run.

1984: Playoff Series Wins

In 1984, the New York Islanders achieved 19 consecutive playoff series wins between 1980 and 1984, a feat unparalleled in professional sports history.

1987: Last Division Title

Since 1987, the New York Islanders have not won a division title, marking the beginning of a challenging period for the franchise.

2004: Red Sox Comeback

In the 1974-75 season, the Islanders rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, mirroring a feat previously achieved by the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

2009: Flyers Comeback

In the 1974-75 season, the Islanders rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, mirroring a feat previously achieved by the 2009-10 Philadelphia Flyers.

2013: Kings Comeback

In the 1974-75 season, the Islanders rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, mirroring a feat previously achieved by the 2013-14 Los Angeles Kings.