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New York Islanders Bracket Challenge Arbour Division

Oct 9, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Legendary New York Islanders coach Al Arbour is remembered during a moment of silence before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Legendary New York Islanders coach Al Arbour is remembered during a moment of silence before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto mayor John Tory (third from right) unveils a countdown clock for the upcoming 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto. Looking on from left are Team Europe general manager Miroslav Satan, former World Cup participants Pat Lafontaine and Darryl Sittler , NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly (second from right) and NHL players association director Don Fehr (far right). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto mayor John Tory (third from right) unveils a countdown clock for the upcoming 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto. Looking on from left are Team Europe general manager Miroslav Satan, former World Cup participants Pat Lafontaine and Darryl Sittler , NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly (second from right) and NHL players association director Don Fehr (far right). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Arbour Division Matchup #3

(3) Pat LaFontaine v. (6) Bobby Nystrom

If Pierre Turgeon taking down John Tonelli was an upset, then Bobby Nystrom going to the next round at the expense of Pat LaFontaine is…a major upset?

…I feel like the hierarchy of words to use for upset are lacking. Major upset sounds fine only because there isn’t anything better.

Unlike LaFontaine, Nystrom spent his entire career with the Islanders. And unlike LaFontaine, Nystrom was a recipient of four Stanley Cup rings. One, thanks to an overtime goal by the man himself.

Maybe it’s thanks to all his off-ice contributions that have endeared Nystrom to so many fans hearts?

Usually, individual success bumps a player up in a fanbase. Something LaFontaine certainly has. He’s a member of the Hall of Fame, he won a Masterton trophy and collected 1013 points in his NHL career.

But with 59% of the vote, Bobby Nystrom, Mr. Islander, a six seat, knocks off Pat Lafontaine and his 41% to take on the winner of the last matchup in the division. A matchup that featured old school vs. new school.

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