Islanders History: Putting The Win Streak Into Context

The New York Islanders are winners of nine in a row. Here’s what happened the other teams they had a win streak of eight or more.

For the second time in franchise history, the Islanders have a win streak of nine games. What Barry Trotz has been able to do with this team, despite all the injuries and illnesses, is Jack Adams worthy.

You might find yourself saying, well what happened the last time the Islanders went on a streak like this? Boy, do I have some good news for you.

In 1982-1983, the Isles found themselves winners of eight straight games. They also found themselves winners of their fourth straight Stanley Cup by years end. They finished the regular season with 96 points and a second-place finish.

During the 1989-1990 season, the Islanders went on a nine-game win streak. That year, they went 31-38-11 made the playoffs after finishing fourth in their division, but got knocked out in the first round 4-1 by the New York Rangers.

Finally, the longest win streak in franchise history, 15. It happened in the 1981-1982 season where the Islanders had the best year in franchise history. They finished with 118 points on their way to their third Stanley Cup in a row.

Outside of the dynasty era, the Islanders have only gone on a win streak this long once (1989-1990), and it was with the head coach that helped them through those dynasty years.

That team was led by Pat LaFontaine, who put up 105 points that year and a whopping 54 goals. In terms of talent, the Isles don’t have anyone now who can reach LaFontaine’s level, but they likely have the deeper team now than they did in 1989-1990.

They had just 73 points during that season, there’s not a doubt in my mind that this team finishes with more than 73 points.

Now, the only question left to answer: is this team a Stanley Cup contender? I’d still lean towards no, but that’s the beauty of the NHL playoffs, all you have to do is get in. If I was a betting man, which I am, then I’d say this team will likely finish close to the same point total as last year and probably get to the second round, depending on who they play.

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It’s extremely early in the season, and a lot can happen but it’s fun to look at the other times in franchise history when they’ve gone on streaks like this. Enjoy the ride Isles fans, you have the best team in New York.