The New York Islanders came one win short of their quest to return to the Stanley Cup final for the first time since 1984, felled by a 1-0 loss in Game 7 of the East(ish) Conference Final to the Lightning in Tampa.
The loss ends an epic ride with many memorable postseason moments for this loveable Islanders squad, which conspired with fans to send Nassau Coliseum into (NHL playoff) retirement with a few more stories in its annals. In this third round alone, there were moments that sadly were part of a lost cause but will not be forgotten for how they were sports at its best — like Ryan Pulock’s game saver in Game 4 and Anthony Beauvillier’s OT winner in Game 6.