2008 New York Islanders

Though the New York Islanders seemed destined for the playoffs through the beginning and middle of the 2007-2008 season, towards the end they suffered the loss of veteran players like Rick DePietro and Mike Sillinger and thus slid painfully into last place in the Atlantic Division. Determined to keep that from happening again, General Manager Garth Snow fired head coach Ted Nolan and replaced him with Scott Gordon, who he believes will use the younger (and hopefully less injury prone) players to better effect. The only bright side of the veterans’ injuries is that it meant more ice time for younger players like Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau and the very promising Kyle Okposo. The 2008-2009 season will focus more on the youngsters and less on the veterans – but will it pay off? Get your tickets to Nassau Coliseum and see how it all plays out for the New York Islanders in the 2008-2009 season!

The New York Islanders are looking to recapture the glory the Franchise felt in the early 80's when they replaced the Canadiens as Hockey's preeminent Dynasty. Winning four straight Stanley Cups beginning in 1980 the Islanders featured some of the games greatest players in goaltender Billy Smith, center Bryan Trottier, and winger Mike Bossy.

Playing in the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island New York, the Islanders have established a fierce rivalry with the neighboring New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. The intensity of the game also heats up whenever their division rivals the Philadelphia Flyers come to town.

Not only is Long Island home to the Islanders, but it is also home to one of horse racing's greatest events: The Belmont Stakes. The Stakes, the third leg of thoroughbred racing's triple crown, takes place in June and attracts racing fans from all over the world. The New York Mets (based at Shea Stadium), playing in nearby Queens, also bring thousands of fans to the area.