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31 Facts About Red Wings Vs. Islanders

Dorella Roger

Written by Dorella Roger

Published: 01 Nov 2025

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Source: Pickdawgz.com

Who holds the edge in the historic rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders? This question has sparked countless debates among hockey fans. Both teams boast rich histories, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. The Red Wings, with their iconic red and white jerseys, have a legacy of dominance, especially during the '90s and early 2000s. On the other hand, the Islanders, with their blue and orange colors, carved their place in history with four consecutive Stanley Cup wins in the early '80s. Each matchup brings a fresh wave of excitement, as fans eagerly anticipate which team will come out on top. Dive into these 31 fascinating facts about this storied rivalry to see who truly has the upper hand.

Table of Contents
01The Rivalry Begins
02Memorable Players
03Historic Games
04Playoff Encounters
05Coaching Legends
06Fan Culture
07Arena Atmosphere
08Records and Achievements
09Notable Trades
10Modern-Day Matchups
11Final Whistle

The Rivalry Begins

The Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders have a storied history in the NHL. Their matchups have produced some unforgettable moments. Here are some intriguing facts about this rivalry.

  1. The Red Wings and Islanders first faced off on October 12, 1972. The Islanders won 3-2.

  2. The Red Wings are one of the Original Six teams, established in 1926. The Islanders joined the NHL in 1972.

  3. The Islanders' first Stanley Cup win came in 1980. The Red Wings had already won seven by then.

Memorable Players

Both teams have seen legendary players don their jerseys. These players have left a lasting impact on the rivalry.

  1. Steve Yzerman, a Red Wings icon, played his entire 22-season career with Detroit.

  2. Mike Bossy, an Islanders legend, scored 573 goals in his career, all with New York.

  3. Nicklas Lidström, a Red Wings defenseman, won seven Norris Trophies during his career.

Historic Games

Some games between these two teams have gone down in history for their excitement and drama.

  1. On January 2, 1984, the Red Wings defeated the Islanders 7-4, ending New York's 15-game unbeaten streak.

  2. The Islanders beat the Red Wings 8-2 on February 28, 1981, during their record-setting 15-game winning streak.

  3. The Red Wings' 6-0 victory over the Islanders on March 6, 1996, featured a hat trick by Sergei Fedorov.

Playoff Encounters

Playoff matchups between the Red Wings and Islanders have been rare but memorable.

  1. The teams first met in the playoffs in 1980. The Islanders won the series 4-1.

  2. The Islanders' 1980 playoff victory over the Red Wings was part of their journey to their first Stanley Cup.

  3. The Red Wings and Islanders have only met in the playoffs twice, with the Islanders winning both series.

Coaching Legends

Coaches have played a significant role in shaping the rivalry between these two teams.

  1. Al Arbour, the legendary Islanders coach, led the team to four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983.

  2. Scotty Bowman, who coached the Red Wings from 1993 to 2002, won three Stanley Cups with Detroit.

  3. Mike Babcock, another notable Red Wings coach, led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2008.

Fan Culture

The passionate fan bases of both teams add to the intensity of their matchups.

  1. The Red Wings' fans are known for throwing octopuses onto the ice during playoff games, a tradition dating back to 1952.

  2. Islanders fans have a tradition of chanting "Yes! Yes! Yes!" after each goal, inspired by WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan.

  3. The "Hockeytown" moniker for Detroit reflects the city's deep love for the Red Wings.

Arena Atmosphere

The arenas where these teams play have their own unique atmospheres.

  1. The Red Wings played at Joe Louis Arena from 1979 to 2017 before moving to Little Caesars Arena.

  2. The Islanders' original home was the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, known for its raucous atmosphere.

  3. The Islanders now play at UBS Arena, which opened in 2021.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set impressive records and achieved significant milestones.

  1. The Red Wings hold the record for the longest home winning streak in NHL history, with 23 consecutive wins in 2011-2012.

  2. The Islanders' 19 consecutive playoff series wins from 1980 to 1984 is an NHL record.

  3. The Red Wings have won 11 Stanley Cups, the most of any American NHL team.

Notable Trades

Trades between these teams have sometimes had significant impacts.

  1. In 1996, the Red Wings traded Keith Primeau to the Hartford Whalers for Brendan Shanahan, who became a key player for Detroit.

  2. The Islanders traded Pat LaFontaine to the Buffalo Sabres in 1991, a move that shocked many fans.

  3. The Red Wings acquired Dominik Hašek from the Buffalo Sabres in 2001, leading to a Stanley Cup win in 2002.

Modern-Day Matchups

Recent games between the Red Wings and Islanders continue to be exciting and competitive.

  1. The Red Wings defeated the Islanders 4-3 in overtime on February 21, 2020, with a game-winning goal by Andreas Athanasiou.

  2. The Islanders beat the Red Wings 4-1 on March 16, 2022, with two goals from Brock Nelson.

  3. The Red Wings' 3-2 victory over the Islanders on November 5, 2022, featured a standout performance by goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic.

  4. The Islanders' 5-2 win over the Red Wings on January 27, 2023, showcased a hat trick by Mathew Barzal.

Final Whistle

Red Wings vs. Islanders games are always a thrill. From the intense rivalries to the memorable moments, these matchups never disappoint. Fans get to witness hockey history in the making, with each game adding a new chapter to the storied legacies of both teams. Whether it's a nail-biting overtime win or a stunning comeback, the excitement is palpable.

Knowing these 31 facts enhances the experience, giving fans a deeper appreciation for the sport and its rich history. So next time you watch a Red Wings vs. Islanders game, you'll have a treasure trove of knowledge to impress your friends and enjoy the game even more. Hockey isn't just a sport; it's a passion that unites fans across generations. Keep cheering, keep learning, and most importantly, keep loving the game.

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