Think about this: Since the Islanders’ new owners took control just over three years ago, they have amicably parted ways with an embedded, complacent and unsuccessful front office; filled the void by hiring one of the most successful executives in New York-area sports history; hired a coach just months after he won a Stanley Cup; and fielded a team that reacted to their all-world captain ditching them in free agency by winning just the club’s second postseason series in 26 years.
And now?
Now, that ownership group, flush with Scott Malkin’s money and deftly led by Jon Ledecky, has done what was once thought impossible — they have navigated the gator-infested swamp of New York politics and are on the verge of finally building the Islanders the state-of-the-art arena every pro sports team in this town deserves.