New Islanders co-owner: Franchise is focused on winning fifth ring
The New York Islanders' new ownership group was introduced Wednesday, and co-owner Jonathan Ledecky said the franchise is focused on winning a fifth ring.
The Islanders won the Stanley Cup four straight times from 1980-83, but have not won since. They have not reached the Stanley Cup Final since losing to the Edmonton Oilers in 1984.
Ledecky, who is a former owner of the Washington Capitals, bought the Islanders with Scott Malkin in August from Charles Wang. Ledecky and Malkin are currently minority owners until becoming majority owners for the 2016-17 season.
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Malkin said the new ownership group has been impressed by the team's recent moves.
“(Majority owner) Charles (Wang) and (General Manager) Garth (Snow) made a huge effort to put a strong young team on the ice,” Malkin said. Both he and Ledecky were joined on the dais by Wang and Snow.
“The vision Charles has created of the team, the new arena, the strength from which to build, was very important to us,” Malkin said.
The team will leave move from the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn next season.
New York has started this season 4-2-0 and is tied for first place in the Metropolitan Division. Center John Tavares leads the team with 10 points, while center Brock Nelson and right wing Kyle Okposo each have eight points.
The Islanders play the Boston Bruins on the road on Thursday night.
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- Paul Palladino