The New York Islanders’ season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion on Friday night in Tampa Bay. After a magical game six victory, it was a rough night all around for Barry Trotz’s Islanders – and it’s more than just the final score that leaves an empty feeling in the hearts of the blue and orange faithful.
Since the glory days in the 1980s, it has been heartbreak after heartbreak for the New York Islanders. Corrupt owners, poor management, an embarrassing product on the ice, and a move to a non-ideal arena – it is fair to say that the Isles fanbase has had their fair share of losses in the last thirty-plus years. Finally, with the best coach and general manager in hockey, it seemed as if the Isles could close out the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with a Stanley Cup. Sadly, they fell sixty minutes and two goals short of a meeting with the Montreal Canadiens in the final. While it stings now, the team’s future remains bright, and UBS Arena will mark a new beginning for the team, the players, and most importantly, the fans.
