How Lou Lamoriello’s Islanders went from title contenders to NHL afterthoughts — and what comes next

Triumph for the New York Islanders

Excitement filled the room as Jon Ledecky spoke at a press conference just two days before the grand opening of UBS Arena.

After facing numerous challenges, threats of relocation, and a turbulent move to Brooklyn, the Islanders were finally getting a new home – a state-of-the-art $1.1 billion arena with a Long Island address, set to host a Stanley Cup contender.

Everything seemed to be coming together seamlessly.

Having narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Final in a Game 7 loss just months ago, the Islanders returned with a strong team for the 2021-22 season, ready to make another championship run.