New York Islanders: Another Year Watching the Playoffs

I'VE BEEN A NEW YORK ISLANDER FAN SINCE THEIR INCEPTION INTO THE NHL IN THE 1972-73 SEASON.

FOR THE FIRST 13 YEARS, THEY WERE THE MOST EXCITING FRANCHISE IN HOCKEY. NO MAJOR SPORTS TEAM HAD WON FOUR CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS SINCE THE MONTREAL CANADIENS. THIS ALL ENDED WITH THEIR DRIVE FOR FIVE CUPS IN THE SPRING OF 1984.

FAST FORWARD TO 2008 AND THE ISLANDERS MIGHT BE THE SADDEST FRANCHISE IN ALL OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.

THEY HAVE THE LOWEST AVERAGE ATTENDANCE IN THE NHL AT 13,000 "FANS" PER HOME GAME. THEY WILL ONCE AGAIN NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IN A LEAGUE WHERE 16 OF 30 TEAMS GO TO THE DANCE!

(THAT'S 53 PERCENT FOR YOU MATH WHIZZES.)

THE OWNER, CHARLES WANG, IS BLEEDING EACH YEAR AND WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH LONGER HE CAN CONTINUE TO LOSE $$!

THE COLD, HARD REALITY IS THIS:

I HAVE A 14-YEAR-OLD SON AND THE ISLANDERS HAVEN'T WON A PLAYOFF SERIES SINCE HE WAS BORN!!! IT'S TRUE!

MAYBE SINCE HE WAS BORN THE YEAR THE HATED RANGERS WON THE CUP, HIS CLASS OF 1994 MATES WILL NEVER SEE THE ISLANDERS WIN A CUP OR LET ALONE A PLAYOFF SERIES! WOW! HOW SAD.

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