Islanders’ 19 straight playoff series wins is the NHL’s unbreakable dynasty record

The New York Islanders may not hold the record for most consecutive Stanley Cup wins, which is the Montreal Canadiens, as they won five straight from 1956-60. The Islanders hold a record the Canadiens don't, and one that probably will not be broken any time soon.

In the early 1980s, the Islanders had built a dynasty where they would win four straight Stanley Cups but the success didn't stop there as they came up just short of a fifth consecutive Stanley Cup in 1984 and that is why they hold the record for 19 consecutive playoff series wins.

New York Islanders not only won 19 straight playoff series but did so in dominating fashion

The 19 consecutive playoff series wins alone are impressive, but when playing the best of the best the NHL had to offer, the Islanders were in a class by themselves. During that stretch, the Islanders would have a 71-23 record, which included five sweeps (two of which occurred in the Stanley Cup Final).

In the first four playoffs of this streak, there was only one time the Islanders fell behind in the series, and that was in 1982 against the New York Rangers, but that series lead didn't last long as the Islanders would win four of the next five.

There was also one time the Islanders faced an elimination game, which was also in the 1982 playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game that could have derailed this entire record. The Islanders would thankfully win that game, but it was a close game, as it would go to overtime before John Tonelli scored the winning goal.

Towards the tail end of this streak, the Islanders started to struggle a little more as they would fall behind the New York Rangers in the opening round 2-1 before winning the final two games. In the next round, the Washington Capitals would win Game 1, but the Islanders took over quickly and won the next four games.

The next series was more of the same as the Montreal Canadiens won both Game 1 and Game 2, but the Islanders once again came back and won the next four to reach their fifth Stanley Cup Final. However, it was clear that they were running out of energy, and the Oilers would take four of five to end the 19 playoff series win streak.

On the surface, 19 playoff series wins in a row is a remarkable feat but the way the Islanders accomplished that is what really makes this run impressive.