Islanders added a thrilling chapter to their history after erasing a 3-0 deficit in 1975

Over the past decade, the idea of blowing a big series lead has become one of sports fans' favorite topics to talk about. Whether it be the Yankees blowing a 3-0 lead to the Red Sox or the Warriors blowing a 3-1 lead to the Cavaliers, there are plenty of examples of teams overcoming the odds to win a series.

Hockey is no different, as four teams in NHL history have done the impossible and come back after being down three games to none.

One of these teams is the New York Islanders. Before the dynasty of the early 80s, the best playoff moment for the Islanders came in 1975, when they beat the Penguins in the quarterfinals four games to three after being down three games to none. But how did the Isles overcome this deficient?

How the Islanders pulled off one of the rarest feats in sports

At the end of Game 3, things looked bleak for the Islanders. At the start of the third period, the Penguins were up 3-1. Now, the Islanders did not go down without a fight, as during the third period, they rattled off three goals.

Unfortunately for the Isles, they also allowed three goals to make the final score 6-4. What made it worse was that this game took place at Nassau Coliseum in front of their home fans.

Things seemed bleak as the Islanders headed into Game 4, facing elimination. The game was a back-and-forth fight, with the game deadlocked at one heading into the third.

But at the six-minute mark of the third, the Islanders got the momentum they needed. In 39 seconds, Clark Gillies and J.P. Parise were able to find the back of the net to give the Isles a 3-1 lead. They were able to hold on and send the series back to Pittsburgh.

In Game 5, the Islanders capitalized on the Penguins' mistakes. They were able to pot two power-play goals on seven opportunities. This helped the Islanders build a 3-1 lead over the Penguins heading into the third. Although the Penguins battled back, an empty net goal from Jude Drouin sealed the 4-2 victory.

Game 6 was a statement win for the Islanders as they dominated the Penguins in every facet. After a scoreless first period, the Islanders potted two goals to give them a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.

The Isles clinched their victory and tied the series after they scored two empty net goals in the final 30 seconds, putting all the momentum on their side.

Tension boiled over in the first period of Game 7. In the opening three minutes, Gillies and Bob Paradise dropped the gloves.

There was another fight at the 17:25 mark of the first between Bob Kelly and Dave Lewis. In total, there were 12 penalties in the first period, totaling 36 penalty minutes.

Despite the physical play, the game was a stalemate until 14:42 of the third period, when Ed Westfell slipped the puck past Gary Inness to give the Islanders a 1-0 lead. Glenn Resch was able to stop all 30 shots he faced, clinching the shutout and the series win for the Islanders.

It was only the second time in NHL history that a team was able to rally back from being down 3-0. While other playoff moments have overshadowed it, this series is one of the greatest in Islanders history.

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