The Islanders dynasty really started on March 10, 1980, the day the team acquired a versatile center from Los Angeles (by way of Manitoba) and his crazy helmet.
On March 9, 1980, after a loss to the Washington Capitals, the Islanders were 31-28-9. They didn't look anything like the Stanley Cup contender that had finished the previous season 51-15-14. That season ended with being upset by the Rangers in the semifinals, the latest in a four-year long line of playoff choke jobs. Off the ice, the team was also staving off bankruptcy, ownership strife and possible relocation or dissolution.