The New York Islanders didn't enjoy their best year on the ice during the 2011-12 season, posting a 34-36-11 record, finishing at 14th in the Eastern Conference standings and missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fifth straight season. Under the direction of coach Jack Capuano, the Islanders took some steps in the right direction and now have the look of a potential playoff team. With a group of talented young players and a group of savvy veterans, the Islanders have been slowly building their roster and could be a surprise postseason team before the 2012-13 season is over.

The Islanders will bring back largely the same offensive attack from a year ago, but the big name on the scoring attack is still center John Tavares, who has become the face of the franchise. The team is hoping that fellow wingers like Kyle Okposo and Matt Moulson can grow into their starter roles as well to form a fearsome trio on the front line. The Islanders also acquired Brandon Boyes from Buffalo, and will hope that Michael Grabner can have a bounce-back year on the second line. Younger prospects like Ryan Strome, Josh Bailey and Kirill Kabanov may still be a year away, but could be pressed for additional playing time throughout the year as well.

Defensively, the Islanders are counting on Mark Streit and Travis Hamonic to anchor the first defensive line, and the team also brought in defensemen Lubomir Visnovsky from Anaheim and Matt Carkner from the New York Rangers. This improved depth should help the Islanders' power play numbers and maybe inject a bit more grit into the defense as well. In goal, the Islanders have enjoyed the steady play of Evgeni Nabokov in the net, but will hope that new goaltender Kevin Poulin will be able to provide adequate depth throughout the season.

Looking ahead to the 2012-13 season, the Islanders will open up on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 12 to begin their year with a bang. The next night, the Islanders will host their home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team will have their yearly grudge match against the New York Rangers on November 13, and will match up against the Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Devils on November 17. With a season full of dynamic games on the schedule, the Islanders look like they have the roster to make the jump in the standings in the Eastern Conference during the 2012-13 season.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS EXPERIENCE:
Founded: 1972
Location: Uniondale, New York
Stadium: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Conference: Eastern Conference
Division: Atlantic Division
New York Islanders Stanley Cup Titles: 4: 1979-80, 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83
New York Islanders Conference Championships: 6
Notable Players: Bob Nystrom, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies, Mike Bossy

The New York Islanders play in the very competitive Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was established on Long Island in the small town of Uniondale, New York in 1972. Intended to represent all of New York - city and state - the team has drawn its biggest support from the New York Burroughs and suburbs, and Upstate New York, even Connecticut. After some moderate success in their first seasons, the Isles mounted a dynasty run at the Stanley Cup from 1980 to 1983, even managing to hold young Wayne Gretsky scoreless in the entire '83 Stanley Cup Finals series against Edmonton. After their dynasty, the New York Islanders managed some success but has struggled to regain their championship form.

The New York Islanders play their home games at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale. The arena holds more than 16,000 hockey fans and is widely considered one of the toughest and loudest arenas in the NHL. With a blue-collar reputation for competition and with a fan base outside the glamour of the city, an Isles game is a tough and noisy experience for visiting teams. Buy New York Islanders tickets today!

New York Islanders Ticket Information:
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