The New York Islanders history reflects one of the most successful eras in professional hockey. Founded in 1972, the New York Islanders hockey franchise quickly rose to prominence with multiple Stanley Cup victories, legendary players, and intense rivalries. Their legacy continues to influence the NHL, inspiring new generations of fans and shaping the sport’s competitive landscape.
Established
1972
City
New York
League History
1972 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1972 – Present / New York Islanders
Nickname
Islanders – The New York Islanders are among the most iconic National Hockey League (NHL) teams for many sports fans. But do you know where their nickname came from? It’s an exciting story that goes back to 1972 when a group of Long Island businessmen was awarded an NHL franchise.
New York Islanders Origin
The original owners wanted to honor Long Island's history and connection with maritime activities by selecting a team name related to nautical themes. After much deliberation, they decided on “Islanders” as it was seen as being representative of both local culture and geography. The logo was also designed around this theme, featuring three blue stripes, symbolizing water surrounding two orange lines for land – representing Long Island itself!
Today, almost 50 years later, New York Islanders proudly represent their hometown on the ice each season with their distinctive nickname and logo. Whether you're watching them play at Nassau Coliseum or Barclays Center in Brooklyn, show your support for this storied franchise by cheering, "Let's Go, Islanders!"
Championship
Stanley Cup 4
1983, 1982, 1981, 1980
Arena
2021 - UBS Arena
2015 – Present / Barclays Center
1972 – 2015 / Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Owner
2014 - Present / Jon Ledecky and Scott D. Malkin
2006 – 2013 / Charles Wang
2000 – 2006 / Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar
1997 – 2000 / Howard Milstein and Steven Gluckstern
1997 / John Spano
1978 – 1997 / John Pickett
1972 – 1978 / Roy Boe
- 1972
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1984
- 2000
- 2015
-
New York Islanders Team Formation
The new team was widely expected to take the Long Island Ducks name used by an Eastern Hockey League franchise; the more geographically expansive “New York Islanders” came largely as a surprise. The fledgling Islanders, who were soon nicknamed the “Isles” by the local newspapers, had an extra burden to pay in the form of a $4 million territorial fee ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1980
The 1980 Stanley Cup Final was contested by the New York Islanders in their first-ever Finals appearance and the Philadelphia Flyers, in their fourth Finals appearance, first since 1976. The Islanders would win the best-of-seven series four games to two, to win their first Stanley Cup and the third for a post-1967 expansion team after Philadelphia’s Cup wins in 1974 ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1981
The 1981 Stanley Cup Final was contested by the Minnesota North Stars making their first Finals appearance and the defending champion New York Islanders, in their second-ever Finals appearance. The Islanders would win the best-of-seven series four games to one, to win their second Stanley Cup. This would be the last all-American finals until 1991 when the North Stars faced ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1982
The 1982 Stanley Cup Finals was played between the Vancouver Canucks in their first Finals appearance and the defending champion New York Islanders, in their third Finals appearance. The Islanders would win the best-of-seven series four games to none, to win their third straight and third overall Stanley Cup. This is also the most recent time that a Stanley Cup ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1983
The 1983 Stanley Cup Finals NHL championship series was contested by the Edmonton Oilers in their first-ever Final series appearance and the defending champion New York Islanders, in their fourth, and fourth consecutive, Finals appearance. The Islanders would win the best-of-seven series four games to none, to win their fourth-straight and fourth-overall Stanley Cup. It was also the fourth straight ... -
Charles Wang Majority Owner
Charles Wang is the majority owner of the New York Islanders hockey franchise, of which he had become a part-owner in 2000. He later bought out the share of business partner Sanjay Kumar in 2004. Wang’s sometimes unorthodox decisions as the owner have received a mixture of praise and criticism. -
Barclays Center Opens
Barclays Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Brooklyn, New York. It sits partly on a platform over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-owned Vanderbilt Yards rail yard at Atlantic Avenue. It is part of a $4.9 billion sports arena, and future business and residential complex known as the Atlantic Yards. Beginning in 2015, it will also be the home of the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Islanders History
The New York Islanders history is one of the richest stories in professional hockey. Founded in 1972 as part of the NHL expansion, the team quickly became a cornerstone of the league. As a member of the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division, the New York Islanders hockey franchise won four consecutive Stanley Cups between 1980 and 1983 and built an intense rivalry with the New York Rangers that still fuels passionate matchups today.
The New York Islanders hockey tradition was shaped by legendary players such as Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and Denis Potvin. These Hall of Famers led the team through “The Dynasty Years,” guiding the New York Islanders history to four straight championships and setting remarkable records, including 118 victories across the 1981–1982 seasons—an achievement that remains unmatched in franchise lore.
While the New York Islanders history has seen fewer playoff successes in recent decades, the team remains competitive and beloved. With young stars like Mathew Barzal and strong coaching leadership, the New York Islanders hockey community continues to display resilience and pride at every home game in Nassau Coliseum or UBS Arena, keeping fans engaged and energized.
Islanders Achievements
During the 2019–2020 season, the New York Islanders hockey team reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1993, demonstrating a resurgence in the franchise’s competitive spirit. This deep playoff run reignited excitement about the New York Islanders history and proved their ability to contend against the NHL’s elite once again.
In 2021, the New York Islanders hockey club moved into the state-of-the-art UBS Arena, ushering in a new era for fans and players alike. This milestone marked another chapter in the proud New York Islanders history, combining tradition with modern facilities to strengthen their presence in the NHL and inspire future championship aspirations.
Sports Fan Products
The New York Islanders - A Journey Through Team History and Stanley Cup Glory
Dive into the rich history of the New York Islanders, an iconic NHL franchise known for its legendary players and memorable moments. From their Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s to the evolution of the team and its passionate fanbase, this video explores the...
New York Islanders Legends & NHL Mount Rushmore
The New York Islanders’ dynasty remains one of the most remarkable chapters in NHL history. Four consecutive Stanley Cups, a 19-series playoff win streak, and a roster packed with legends made the team unforgettable...
Retired Number
5 / Denis Potvin
9 / Clark Gillies
19 / Bryan Trottier
22 / Mike Bossy
23 / Bob Nystrom
27 / John Tonelli
31 / Billy Smith
91 / Butch Goring
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history
