Nightmare Over: Kyle Okposo is Back
by Dominik on Jan 19, 2011 12:56 PM EST
in Roster Manoeuvres in the Dark
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PrintThere is already a FanShot discussing this news, but it seemed worthy of a full-on, multimedia post: Kyle Okposo will be back in the lineup tomorrow night versus the Capitals. He sounds happy. Thank Bossy it's finally happening!
In celebration, recall a fine game from last season in which Okposo made two assists and grabbed the OT winner...at Madison Square Garden:
Oh, man, it's been too long.
[Also from today's skate: Frans Nielsen is back with the regulars, with Rob Schremp Hockey being the extra center. Rick DiPietro did not skate, listed as sick. Nathan Lawson was back after last night's 35 saves on 37 shots in a shootout loss for Bridgeport.]
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HALLEJULLAH!!!
or however it’s spelled.
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
simple pictogram
+
+
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
by bob l on Jan 19, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
can I only rec two-thirds of a post?
known far and wide for stat-fu and irking people
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
"isn’t it amazingly simple to use the link pop-up?" - JPinVA
My literal reaction as I scrolled down
Sayyyyy…
AAAAAAHHHHHAAAAHHHHHHHH NOOOOOO
Oh, cool. Whew.
Though in all honesty, Tony’s gotta lose the Ultimate Warrior armbands. He looks like a six-year old’s handlebars.
known far and wide for stat-fu and irking people
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
"isn’t it amazingly simple to use the link pop-up?" - JPinVA
Rec'd like a Halle Berry SUV
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
This is great
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Hallelujah = Halle (berry) + Lou (Lamoirello) + [something to do with wrestling]
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Me either.
I just thought everyone liked the hot picture of HB.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jan 19, 2011 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
+ [something to do with wrestling]
it took me long enough to find a pic of Tony Jaa with his NAME in it, so that it made more sense, lol
ilopan is correct, he’s not too well known in the states, but he was a much easier and better choice than the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
on behalf of everyone here
We thank you for taking the time required to find Tony instead of the Sisterhood.
known far and wide for stat-fu and irking people
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
"isn’t it amazingly simple to use the link pop-up?" - JPinVA
LOL, my bad
When I posted it, the third pic wasn’t appearing for me, and someone made an Ultimate Warrior reference, so…
I echo mikb’s thanks. The less ya-ya the better.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
AMEN!
Kyle brings so much to this team and there has been a noticeable void in his absence.
This guy brings it every night and has a lot of offensive ability.
He seems to be the leader of this young team, and Probably the future captain.
Looking forward to it, GO ISLES.
by The Danish Backhand of Judgement on Jan 19, 2011 1:16 PM EST reply actions
How about we just say that Kyle's personal lockout is over.
It sounds much better than returning from injury and hopefully we can forget that this ever happened.
No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown. -- William Penn
However spun, his return will be of great interest......
….when Kyle is ON, he CAN quickly impact the course of a match, and I see no reason that it couldn’t happen tomorrow night against Washington. My biggest concern is that the ice is going to be fundamentally crowded in terms of strategizing – hopefully the scrimmages at Iceworks have helped to give him a very good idea of how the offense is directed this season, with these players (particularly Grabner; if Ox can create more opportunities for him, Michael may see more immediate dividends from his return than anyone else depending upon what lines Cappy chooses to roll….)
That video brings tears to my eyes.
Seriously, those jerseys are so ugly.
But anyway, Kyle’s effort on that second goal was hot dog amazing. I think Comeau-Bailey-Okposo is gonna be awesome.
by Fabtraption on Jan 19, 2011 1:37 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
That video got me pumped also.
I’m not a ‘jersey’ guy but love sports (Mets, Giants, Knicks, Isles, Arsenal) but I only own one jersey and it’s #21.
How about the first goal w/ Bailey-Frans-KO? That’s the stuff of legend.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jan 19, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
We're team twins
When the Isles and Arsenal finally win something I’m going to be over the moon. The Giants was a nice turn of events.
"It's a good thing the Islanders spent the offseason compiling organizational depth on the blueline. Because, yes, they're losing defensemen almost as rapidly as they're losing games."
New side project: Highbury Hockey - For Arsenal Islanders fans
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
I actually know someone who is.
I work with him. Since I don’t have an EPL team per se (I usually root for the recently-promoted teams to find a way to stay up with the big boys), I pull for Arsenal whenever I happen to see them. Does that count?
2011 is our year! Now if only seasons didn't span over two years.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Jan 19, 2011 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
I say, "yes"
I’ve followed roughly three teams over there since I was a kid and could only read about them and maybe catch them on Sunday TV when lucky. These days and for the last several years Arsenal has been the most purely entertaining team to watch. Gotta admire what they try to do.
And yes, as Pauly C said, they can be outright maddening, so it’s old hat for an Isles fan.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
I'm all for that..
With Leeds out of the way, watch out Huddersfield!! The FA Cup is ours!!!
Aside from the Giants (except the last two years) my teams are maddening.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Oh yeah!
By the way, for anyone interested, SBN has a still-new Arsenal blog now: The Short Fuse
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Oh, so rec'ing that rimshot
Seriously, those jerseys are so ugly.
This jersey dork approves.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
That game was only a year ago and it's amazing how different the team looks.
Brendan Witt AND Nate Thompson were playing!
Anyone notice the Isles goalie in that game...
The way this is going the Captian of the next Cup contending Islanders team is still in grade school......Results do matter..
hey guys, let's prank KO
Let’s all wear last year’s white jerseys against Washington and pretend it’s still April! Meyer’s in, he’s free Thursday night.
known far and wide for stat-fu and irking people
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
"isn’t it amazingly simple to use the link pop-up?" - JPinVA
BTW, Dom, did you interview Ziggy.....
…..before posting this new poll or something? We can pretty sure how HE’D vote…..
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Im so happy!
We’ve all missed you so much, Kyle!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
yes, we all missed him...
but probably none more than you
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/jumps up n down till old guy from apartment 9 below mine knocks angrily on my door.
Now that that’s outta the way, who’s he playing with? Someone mentioned Bailey in between Comeau and Okposo…is this true or just awesomely pleasant speculation??
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
Did RSH really say that?
That’s f’n hilarious.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Yep
At the “Dinner with the Islanders” at Social. Amac was there too, it was the night before Amac’s return. Amac was quiet, but spoke intelligently and said growing up he idolized Al Macinnis. Schremp was more social but kinda clueless upstairs lol. The restaurant was displaying Game 7 of the ‘93 Penguins series on all the TV’s but neither Amac or RSH had a clue what game it was or what it meant to Isles fans. I filled them in with along with the fact that it was the last time the Isles won a playoff series. Then RSH blurted that quote out :-)
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
by Bryan2112 on Jan 19, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Great Story
I’ve always loved that quote and wondered where it was from/
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
rec'd like the Islander Orientation class...
Really… Snow shoudl have one of the bloggers [that he allows on the property] run an orientation, so players know why we (fans)react the way we do to certain players and teams.
I nominate Dee.. as you know she’ll bring goodies to the class… and it’ll be entertaining as well as informative.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Practice lines
Well practice lines were Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo, for what that’s worth.
@NYIslanders: Today’s lines: Moulson, Tavares, Parenteau; Okposo, Nielsen, Grabner; Colliton, Bailey, Comeau; Martin, Konopka, Gillies.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Where does that leave Schremp
not that I particularly care…nahhhh I do care, I just don’t want him at center messin up Bailey’s mojo. I don’t care how bad Schremp is or thinks he is on wing, I wouldn’t mind Scremp-Bailey-Comeau with Colliton on the 4th line
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
I can't see Schremp getting benched...
Unless he painted a white stripe on Capuano’s head… No way Colliton has won a position over Schremp.
Replace Colliton with Schremp and the lines are as I predicted. I’m really looking forward to those combinations… even if it is against the Caps…which means I get teh damn Cap feed… and Craig Laughlin
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
I thought so. Unless cappy think's colliton is better then schremp? lol
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
I don't get all the complaints about Bailey not playing Center
He has been FAR more productive on the Wing
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by Mark D on Jan 19, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
rec'd
If the option is keeping Colliton or some other schlock so Bailey can play center over keeping a better player in Schremp, I want RSH, hands down. Bailey has been good at wing, and as long as he doesn’t hate it or complain about it, keep him there.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
How so?
He was on fire in October between Comeau and PAP, was on fire in the Bridge between Rhett and Colliton(?), and if you watch his most recent assists, he’s at center ice making plays. He’s been breaking up oppenents’ passing plays at center ice. I’ll give Frans credit for making center space for Josh when they are linemates, but why would you want a defensively-responsible, smart playmaker with fragile confidence like Bailey not at his preferred position?
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
Not bad either way...
He has played center over the last 2+ years and either wing. I would say that his best position so far has been LW.
I’m pretty sure Colliton centered the BPT line with Rhett on the RW.
He’s done everything asked of him, and really hasn’t had time to get accustomed to a set of linemates at all this year. Hopefully Kyle and frans are back long term, and that will cement the lines for a few weeks.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
If you break down his production since day 1, even with less playing time at Wing he still has more points on the wing then as Center.
His hot stretch last season came while he was on Wing, and he’s been on Wing since he returned from BP.
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Not to turn this into a huge debate, but didn't bailey play more center his rookie year, and more wing after that?
Or am I thinking of someone else. Because if that’s so, I don’t know why the hell he wouldn’t have better numbers at wing. Right now, I don’t know where to put him though. But with schremp right now looking like a 20goal/50pts 3rd liner-15min/gm center, I’m completely fine with bailey on the wing right now.
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
Bailey played his whole first season at center, he played Center until the last week of December last season, and when he returned from injury Schremp was out so he finished last season at Center.
This year he started at Center, and has been on Wing since coming back up from BP.
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
:-)
one of those stupid smiley face things fits here
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
In other news
@grabs40 states “Oh tough pracy today…nice to see Kyle out there with us,good to have him back,hopefully franselicious is ready too.”
So Dom, we’ve got a new nickname for the Great Dane.
Ha! It’s Fransily delicious.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
by Dominik on Jan 19, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He has Frosted Danish Arms...
they’re “Fransily Delicious”!
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Stinking jingles
That jingle was in my head, but for the life of me I couldn’t remember the cereal. Which I guess means I’ve won, even if they’ve won.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Lucky Charms ceral
Gos I can’t belive I know this!!!
by Russel Ginart on Jan 19, 2011 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
YES!!!!! KO back and frans very close right now.
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
Absolutely will change the energy level of the team and the intensity of the game
The way this is going the Captian of the next Cup contending Islanders team is still in grade school......Results do matter..
According to the Poll
Dom is lucky Ms Lighthouse doesn’t read LHH
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by Mark D on Jan 19, 2011 3:53 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
No doubt
Although I’m a bit offended at least 41% would not kiss me again. Come on people, do it for Kyle!
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
by Dominik on Jan 19, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd like our dreams of a new arena.
2011 is our year! Now if only seasons didn't span over two years.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Jan 19, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
From the recurring files:
Rick DiPietro did not skate, listed as sick. Our #1 goalie’s attendance is more like #2!
Welcome back KO, your energy is sorely needed!!!!
Looking forward to watching KO21 again but he will prolly be rusty
give him a few games to get back into the swing of things
Did anyone see
Botta wrote about two days ago that we should know by nxt year if we are moving to a new arena because it takes on avg two years to build arena and the lease is up in two years. Interesting?
by Torch7 on Jan 19, 2011 5:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions
your comment is awaiting moderation
by Russel Ginart on Jan 19, 2011 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No insult intended Torch
I don’t bother with Botta anymore, he can’t take any critism or suggestions. He does not bring any insight into the team as he used to before his credentials were taken away by the Isles. I would not too much stock into what ever he states.
by Russel Ginart on Jan 19, 2011 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
Mentioned this before
But from everything Wang has said, it sounds as though he is willing to play past 2015 in Nassau as long as he has a deal in hand for a new arena.
So he could sign a deal for a new arena in Nassau during 2014 and continue playing in the Coliseum until the new arena is done.
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
If we must
Wang’s preference is to keep the Isles in Nassau, from everything I’ve read. If he strikes a deal for a new arena in 2014 or so, I’d imagine that he’ll opt to go year to year at the Coliseum while a new arena is built, rather than find a temporary home for the team.
Just trying to think of other available spaces in Nassau for a new arena. I’m drawing mostly blanks, but I keep on coming back to a site off of Exit 43A of the LIE around Syosset where an upscale mall was proposed during the 1990s. Nothing ever really came of it, and I think there’s some some industrial buildings there right now.
I drive past there everyday on the way to work.
It’s between the Town of Oyster Bay buildings and Robbins Lane. There was a huge uproar from the residents because they didn’t want a mall there, due to the traffic, etc.
The NIMBYs need to shut up, so we can get a new arena
The Syosset site could be one of the best locations in Nassau for a new arena, but I’m not sure how much space would be available, whether it’s a standalone arena, or coupled with something that’s like the Westgate entertainment complex that’s next door to Jobing.com Arena. It’s near the LIRR, and a train station could be built for event purposes (this happens in other places, such as along the Buffalo subway for Sabres games).
Access to nearby main highways, such as the LIE and the Northern State Parkway, would need to be upgraded. That could pose a problem. But that would be an issue almost anywhere a new arena would be built on Long Island.
They'd need to build one.
But when I’ve passed by this site during my trips to Long Island, I’ve felt that this would be a good potential arena site in part because it’s next to the Port Jefferson line of the LIRR.
Syosset Station is probably 3 miles northeast. Hicksville station may actually be closer.
Hicksville is a good station because it’s a (sorta) hub, so it has a decent about of trains. I’d say it’s 2-3 miles south. Currently there are no buses running in Syosset, at least not around the site in question. But even then, I just don’t think the space is big enough for an arena and parking.
Pretty much, he does have the Barn at his whim, the other events at the Arena are awful.
Who wants to see NFL gameday live? Or Jeff Dunham live?
The Coliseum is only attracting C level stars itself at best. They can’t be making money off of those tours, even if they are raping people with concessions
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Isn't Lady Gaga playing there in April?
That’s going to net Charles a pretty penny. If he’s able to attract more A-level talent away from Manhattan, it’ll be a solid source of income for him.
But from everything Wang has said, it sounds as though he is willing to play past 2015 in Nassau as long as he has a deal in hand for a new arena.
Yes, I think that is definitely how it sounds.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jan 19, 2011 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
That isnt what he said.
The lease is up in 2015. The Isles still have 2y (2013) before they HAVE to know- and that is what Botta said.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jan 19, 2011 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
Grabs Neilsen Okposo
Just curious…. How does that line look in practice? Speed on that line should drive opposition bats … kinda like a knuckle ball from the slower lines … to a fast ball … Talk about a change up.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Jan 19, 2011 6:55 PM EST reply actions
Good point.
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
A double dose of good news
With Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen returning to the lineup, it’s a double dose of good news. I thought that Okposo could have had a rehab stint in Bridgeport, but since his first game back will be against the Caps, maybe it will be best for him just start against the Ovechkins of the world.
Also, that brings up a question regarding Mark Streit’s injury, and how far along he’s progressing. I haven’t heard much on that front since the holidays or even before then.
Streit
I know he’s been in Switzerland doing some of the rehab and has been back recently. His injury was more serious and it always seemed like a 4-5-6 month thing, with caution erring on the longer. It’s really at the level where I don’t even want him back this year unless he’s absolutely 100% perfect and just wants game reps.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Welcome Back Kyle!!
You just made my week and the best thing I have heard this year!!! LOL
If I could, I would be at that game. Watch out for Ovie, he can get dirty.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
And naturally, I already have plans and will miss at least the first part of the game. I sure know how to pick my games, don’t i?
2011 is our year! Now if only seasons didn't span over two years.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Jan 19, 2011 9:03 PM EST reply actions
THE POLL IS FLAWED
i was not given the choice of kissing Halle…more then once and in a multitude of locations :)
The way this is going the Captian of the next Cup contending Islanders team is still in grade school......Results do matter..
by Ukiddinme on Jan 19, 2011 10:12 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Internet Democracy at its finest
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Fig tomorrow- OKPOSO,BABY!
by Lakewood Islander on Jan 19, 2011 10:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
i was still reeling ...
from the Halle Berry picture (i break into a sweat at the sight of her) when i scrolled down and saw that “LUT” girl and almost had a stroke.
who is that?
about Okposo, i’m not sure what to expect from him in terms of numbers, i thought his game had changed last year when he came back from the ‘phaneuf concussion.’
still, i think Okposo is among very few guys (in any sport) who can have a positive affect on his team by his presence alone. i think the example of his work ethic and his overall constitution is that valuable. if he and Nielsen can stay on the ice – and dare i say, DiPietro too – we’ll get a more clear and a better look at what this team is (and can be).
by dose on Jan 20, 2011 9:28 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
not to put u in cardiac arrest, but...
and saw that "LUT" girl
look closer at the shirt, you are not seeing the full word, there is an S in the front, i think it may be a uniform :-)
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
yikes! you're right.
i missed that completely.
thanks for that info.
the lady is hot.
and i’ve seen enough of that show to agree that it was really good. i wonder why it didn’t last longer.
Ill take you guys words for that.
Ill stick with Toki.
And yes I am aware he is a cartoon. :’(
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jan 20, 2011 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
That's a great show.
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
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1979-80
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May 24, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom. At long last, the steady build of the New York Islanders from expansion doormat to surprise semifinalist to annual contender reaches the promised land: Buoyed by a late season trade for Butch Goring that gave the team the depth up the middle GM Bill Torrey had been seeking, the Islanders knock off the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The victory justified the faith in coach Al Arbour who guided them from their second season to their first Stanley Cup seven seasons later. The Islanders would not be the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, but they would be the only one capable of a dynasty.
1980-81
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May 21, 1981: This time it was much easier. After falling to "only" 91 points in the 1979-80 season, the Islanders returned to their division title tradition, piling up 110 points -- a whole 13 points over second-place Philadelphia.
Between the quarterfinals (where they beat the upstart Oilers in six games) and the finals, the Islanders reeled off eight consecutive wins -- with a four-game sweep of archrival Rangers in between. As they defeated the Minnesota North Stars in five games for their second Cup, their goal difference in the final was a combined +10.
1981-82
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May 16, 1982: Another year, another landslide title. The Islanders won the Patrick Division by a whopping 26 points over the second-place Rangers, and were seven points clear of their nearest competition for the President's Trophy, the still-not-quite-ripe Edmonton Oilers.
A first-round scare against the Pittsburgh Penguins turned in the Isles' favor thanks to John Tonelli's heroics, and a true dynasty was on its way: Past the Rangers in six games, then an eight-game sweep of the Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks to run away with the Stanley Cup.
1982-83
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May 17, 1983: Not so fast, whipper-snappers. The Edmonton Oilers' steadily rising challenge for league supremacy took them all the way to the finals for the first time, where the New York Islanders summarily dispatched them in a four-game sweep. For the Islanders, the Dynasty was secured. For the Oilers, it was a powerful lesson in where talent ends and the demands of playoff hockey begin.
Four years, four Cups, 16 consecutive playoff series wins (a record that would grow to 19 until the rematch with the Oilers the following year). Mike Bossy scored 60 goals yet again, and Wayne Gretzky became acquainted with Billy Smith's crease.
