Year after year, the New York Islanders and Barry Trotz have fought their way through the postseason only to lose twice in two years to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions. The Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up for a three-peat, but the Isles’ largely unchanged identity and roster, plus a return to form for their captain could mean that it’s finally their time for the Cup.
Where they left off
The New York Islanders have been the underdogs in the playoffs in the last few years, but they’re poised on the edge of cup success.