In 1986-1987, the New York Islanders finished with a 35-33-12 record good enough for 82 points and third place in the Patrick Division. It was good enough to make the playoffs, but in no means were they the favorite.
In Round One, they took on the Washington Capitals who finished in second that year. After falling behind three games to one in the series, it looked like the Islanders were going to have an early exit from the playoffs.
Instead, they won Game 5 in convincing fashion 4-2. Then, in Game 6 on Coliseum ice they were able to win 5-4 to set the stage for one of the best playoff games of all-time.