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Founded in 1972, the New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The team plays in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). Currently, they hold the distinction of being the only NHL team to not have a permanent home arena, with plans to move into the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York in 2021.

Early Years and Success

The Islanders found success early on by winning four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980-1983. These were by far the most successful years for the franchise, and they were led by legendary players such as Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and Denis Potvin. However, the team has struggled to replicate this level of success in recent years.

Current State of the Team

The Islanders have been on a bit of a resurgence in recent seasons. They made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019-2020 season, losing to the eventual champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. This success can be attributed to their strong defensive play, as well as the strong goaltending of Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin. The team is led by head coach Barry Trotz, who is known for his defensive coaching style and track record of success.

Fan Culture and Traditions

The Islanders have a passionate fanbase, with many loyal fans who have been with the team since its early years. One unique tradition of Islanders fans is the “Yes! Yes! Yes!” chant, which originated from the team’s affiliation with the WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan. Whenever the Islanders score a goal, the fans will chant “Yes!” three times in unison.

The New York Islanders have a storied history and loyal fanbase, with a recent resurgence in success. While they may not have the same level of success as they did in the early 1980s, the team continues to build towards a bright future. With the upcoming move to a new arena in 2021, the Islanders are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the NHL.