If before the season started you told me that the New York Islanders would go farther in the playoffs than the Toronto Maple Leafs I would’ve laughed right in your face. The Leafs were considered favorites since landing their savior on July 1.
The Islanders, on the other hand, couldn’t have been written off more. Yes, the Islanders had Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz but there wasn’t enough talent on the roster to compete, everyone believed. Well, nobody told the Islanders that.
They embarrassed the Maple Leafs, once in their own building and a second time in John Tavares’ return to Long Island.