When comparing Tampa to the islanders, there are a lot of similarities. The islanders won their fourth cup against their toughest opponent, That young Oilers team. Held Gretzsky to three or four points. Wayne took a windmall to the midsection on a wrap around from Billy Smith. He said that series (even after winning the Campbell conference) that he learned what it would take. He walked by the islanders locker room and thought it be a huge party. But he said a lot of them were in ice baths, trainer tables etc. The islanders were smart veteran team with a lot of talent ( but not as much the oilers). Kind of sounds like Tampa. Just as Colorado looks a lot like that oilers team. Also I got witness how beat up these guys are. In 1986 I was fortunate to be in the Saddledome in a suite right next to the Canadians Management. Saw Roy parade the cup around after they won in overtime. So the next morning (we knew Bob Johnson, thats how we got the tickets) we were fortunate enough to tour the flames lockerroom, and John Tonelli (as kid i was big islander fan) and Nick Fituu (butchered the spelling) wandered in. Tonelli looked like hecould hardly walk and if had to play that night he would gone.
I know its a different, more skill and less violence but since everyone on tv is talking about the last team to win three in a row, i thought I give my two cents.. I am pulling for the avs