The history of the New York Islanders' storied franchise is vast. Beginning as an expansion team in the 1972-73 season, they played at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. An instant rival of the long time area team, the New York Rangers, the Isles did not make a dent until upsetting their NY brethren in the first round of the 1975 playoffs. The Islanders became a dynasty a few seasons later, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups starting in 1980. Only the Wayne Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers prevented them from continuing their streak. They have never reached the heights of the glory years since. Current owner Charles Wang has made improvements, but former General Manager Mike Milbury made some questionable decisions that have left the team taking one step forward and two steps back. This season, the Islanders were in contention for the eighth and final playoff seed in the Eastern Conference until recently, where untimely losses have made it all but a formality that they will be left standing at the altar when the regular season concludes.
New York Dragons, Arena Football League- Islanders owner Charles Wang acquired the Iowa Barnstormers AFL franchise in 2001 and relocated the franchise to the Nassau Coliseum. The name was changed to the New York Dragons and indoor football fans hoped that the franchise would last longer than the two failed attempts for arena football at Madison Square Garden (the New York Knights in 1988 and the New York City Hawks in 1997-1998.) The Dragons have had success since their move east, winning three consecutive Eastern Divisions heading into the current season. The team lost their two top quarterbacks to season ending injuries and is 6-4 to remain in playoff contention. Aaron Garcia, the most prolific AFL quarterback in the league’s history, went down with a fractured tibia in a week five win at home versus the Orlando Predators. Newly acquired QB Nick Browder has given the team a spark and hopes to continue the team’s playoff appearance streak. |
