New York Islanders Ranking Franchises Third Jerseys

Original Thirds

How can an original jersey be a third jersey? If a team wanted to go retro you’d think they’d just go for it, rather than just dip their toes in the past. In 2008-10, that’s just what the New York Islanders.

In 1995 the Islanders changed a classic design and brought in the notorious Fisherman design. It was a colossal failure and laughing stock of the NHL. The Islanders spent the next 13 years trying to get back to a jersey that made sense.

And in 2008 they did it. They went retro with their third jersey. They brought back the original blue jersey. With a little change. They added an orange bar to the hockey stick/’Y’ for the four Stanley Cups the franchise won in 1980-1983.

It was a nice “New Coke” vs. “Coke Classic” move by the Islanders. Bring something in that everyone absolutely hates and that changes the identity of the product as well as something that fans have cherished for years only to bring back the tried and true a few years later.

In 2008 the New York Islanders third jersey became the classic dark blue we were all used to from 1972-73. The Islanders crest didn’t change, but the shade of blue returned to its original navy blue.

By 2010 that third jersey was now the Islanders home jersey and everything was right in the world. At least when it came ot what the Islanders actually wore. There was still plenty that would go wrong with the franchise.