New York Islanders Top 10 Moments – Nassau Coliseum [Video]

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

#1 May 24th, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom

At 7:11 of overtime on the night of May 24th, 1980 a dynasty was born.  The 1979-80 New York Islanders went into the season with hopes of  breaking through to the Stanley Cup finals, after coming so close in recent years.  The regular season was not spectacular for the Islanders, but they closed the season on a 12 game unbeaten streak.  Bryan Trottier paced the team with 104 points in the regular season and 29 in 21 playoff games, earning the Conn Smythe trophy.  Nystrom had a double overtime goal to win game 2 of the semi-finals against the Buffalo Sabres, and the Islanders had 6 overtime victories in total during the playoffs.  Tonelli took the pass from Lorne Henning and Criss-crossed with Nystrom as they entered the Flyers zone.

Tonelli placed a perfect pass to Nystrom’s stick which beat goalie Pete Peters, and the barn went crazy.  Bobby Nystrom’s goal against the Philadelphia Flyers is one of the most iconic moments not only in Islanders history, but NHL history as well.  In an interesting twist, which is a nod to how Bill Torrey constructed the team, the 1979-80 New York Islanders were the first team to win the Stanley Cup with European-born players.  We all know the rest of the run-4 Stanley Cups, 18 straight playoff series wins, Ken Morrow forgot what it was like to end a season without a trophy or Gold Medal-but anyone around to remember the first one will tell you it was the sweetest.

Think I missed something?  Want to add memories of your own?  Leave a comment below in memory of the old barn.  What does this year have in store for the Coliseum?