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New York Islanders Sweep For The First Time In 36 Years

By Matt O'Leary

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 16: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders shakes hands with Jack Johnson #73 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the conclusion of the Islanders 3-1 win over the Penguins in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 16, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 16: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders shakes hands with Jack Johnson #73 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the conclusion of the Islanders 3-1 win over the Penguins in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 16, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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For the first time since the 1983 Stanley Cup Final, 36 years ago, the New York Islanders have swept a team in the playoffs. It’s been a long time coming.

1983 is a significant year for the New York Islanders. It marks the last time this team has won a Stanley Cup and it also signifies the beginning of the downfall. While the team still had success in years to come, 1984 and 1993 comes to mind, ’83 sticks out because it’s the last Cup win in team history.

While years like 1984 and 1993 specifically stick out, there were a lot of down moments for the New York Islanders between their last two sweeps in the playoffs.

From 1994 to 2015 the Islanders didn’t win a playoff series, they had some of the worst management and coaches in sports and ultimately underachieved at nearly every step of the road.

It’s actually quite ironic that 2019 is the year to break the sweepless streak. The 2018-2019 Islanders have been everything but the stereotype that has surrounded this team. They overachieved, had great management, and great coaching.

The Edmonton Oilers were an up and coming team back in 1983 with big star power in Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky. In unbelievable fashion, the Islanders embarrassed what was supposed to be the next great NHL team.

Edmonton would eventually get theirs, but not before one last run from the team of the early ’80s. Now, it’s the reversal. The Penguins were the team of this decade winning two cups and making the playoffs for 13 straight years. Yet, the Isles, who had no business being there (preseason predictions) manhandled the Pens.

The team has come full circle. Enjoy today Isles fans, we deserve it.

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