Metropolitan Division Preview: Scouting the New York Islanders

Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders made quite a raucous last season, and I am not just referring to their “YES” chants.

The team became one of the powers in the Metropolitan Division last year, getting out of the gates early last season. It seemed they would be doing something that they had not done for a while: win a division title.

We have to go back 25 years when the team last won a division title, which was the old Patrick Division in the 1987-1988 season.

New York Islanders

If we really wanted to look back, the last time the Islanders won a Stanley Cup was over 30 years ago in 1983. That was the last of the team’s dynasty run of four straight championships.

And just like every other team in the NHL, the Islanders fell on hard times, struggling to regain their superiority and winning ways that gave the franchise their name.

In recent years, the team has started turning around their subpar ways and making noise, in different ways. They’ve made the postseason two out of the last three seasons, with last season being their strongest in terms of the regular season.

This season should bring a world of change to the team. In fact, even before the puck has dropped on the 2015-2016, the Islanders have already gained some headlines. From their move to Brooklyn to their new alternate jerseys, the culture of the Islanders are changing, but will it bring them repeated success?

Let’s take a look at the team and try to answer that question.

Next: The Team as a Whole