The New York Islanders won their first Stanley Cup in 1980, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The Islanders won the deciding game 5–4 on May 24, 1980. It was the franchise’s first championship, coming just eight seasons after the team entered the NHL as an expansion club. The victory also began one of hockey’s great dynasties: New York won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 through 1983.
The Islanders were led by players including captain Denis Potvin, center Bryan Trottier, winger Mike Bossy and goaltender Billy Smith. Bob Nystrom scored the series-winning goal in overtime of Game 6, completing New York’s breakthrough against a Philadelphia team that had reached the Final in three straight seasons.
A common mix-up is confusing the Islanders’ first title with their fourth. Their championship run ended in 1983, when they swept the Edmonton Oilers; 1980 is the year that started the streak.