In the beginning, the New York Islanders seemed to be the better team from New York, with the apex being in the early 80's, when they won four straight Stanley Cups. However, the 90's, specifically 1994, was a turning point for the team, as they literally staked claim to the basement in the standings for years. New ownership in 2002 showed the team had promise of being a contender. That dream was dashed in 2008, when the team started to haemmorage money once more. That isn't to say the team has been lacking for captains in their history. Far from it, actually, as the Islanders have had twelve captains in thirty-nine years as a franchise.
The first five years of the franchise were captained by Ed Westfall. Tough guy Clark Gillies would follow and be captain from 1977 to 1979. The Islanders' glory years were led by Denis Potvin, who would have the C from 1979 until 1987. Brent Sutter, one of the Sutter Brothers from Viking, AB, would have the captain's role from 1987 until 1991. 1991 would mark the beginning of the Patrick Flatley era, and it would be until 1996 when he would be captain. In that time, the Islanders' descent and the infamous "Fish Sticks" jersey were evident. The next five seasons would show some instability, with no captain in 1996-97, Bryan McCabe (1997-98), Trevor Linden (1998-99), and Kenny Jonsson (1999-2000), with a no captain to end that run in the 2000-01 season. Eventually, the stability returned, sort of, with Michael Peca being named captain from 2001 until 2004. Post-lockout saw Peca moved to Edmonton prior to the 2005-06 season and Alexei Yashin, the poster boy for overpaid players, promoted to captain. He would be captain until 2007, when the Islanders bought out his contract, for which they are still on the books. Two years of Bill Guerin would follow until his trade to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in 2009. Doug Weight is the current captain, which is fitting, since the Islanders are in the midst of a youth movement.
No comments:
Post a Comment