New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team that play in the Atlantic Division of the [[National Hockey League]'s Eastern Conference.The Islanders were founded in 1972, originally as a ploy to keep the rival World Hockey Association out of the area. The team did not qualify for the playoffs their first two seasons, but made it all the way to the semifinals in 1975, where they were defeated by the Philadelphia Flyers.The team reached the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in their history in 1980. They were successful, defeating the Flyers in six games to earn their first championship. Their playoff success did not stop there, as they returned in 1981, 1982 and 1983, winning the Stanley Cup four consecutive years. The Isles' playoff streak ended in 1983, as they we defeated in the finals that following year. The Isles went into a slump starting in 1995, with seven consecutive seasons of failing to reach the playoffs. In the eight seasons since the slump, the Islanders have only reached the first round of the post season four times.

The Islanders made a move towards a new era in 2009 as they selected John Tavares with the first pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in June. Tavares was the unquestioned first overall pick after having scored 100 points in three straight season in the Ontario Hockey League. Tavares made the team out of training camp and immediately had an impact on a team that was in dire need at all positions. He managed to play in every game for the Islanders, scoring 20 goals and netting 34 assists as a rookie. http://islanders.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475166&view=news He was not nominated for rookie of the year, but his first season signaled the start of something better for a franchise currently in fincancial turmoil. He brought hope and leadership to the team as the Islanders made a jump from 61 to 79 points from the 2008-09 season.