Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

1. Islanders win Games 6 and 7 in Overtime, advance to second round

The New York Islanders had not won a postseason series in 23 years. They had not even had a chance to win a playoff series since superstar John Tavares was two-years-old. On April 24, in Game 6 at home, they had a chance to do just that against the Florida Panthers.

With 54 seconds left in regulation, the Islanders trailed 1-0, and the series looked set to head down south for a Game 7. However, Tavares managed to tie the game and send it to overtime.

In double overtime, Tavares scored again, giving the Islanders a 2-1 win and their first postseason series victory in 23 years. The fact that it occurred at home also made the moment extra special.

The Isles often are looked at as the Rangers younger brother, but the fact that they advanced farther than the Rangers did, and in such dramatic fashion, made this the top moment in New York Sports in 2016.

In a year where no New York team made it to the championship game/series, the Islanders outstanding first round series victory stands above the rest as the shining moment in Big Apple Sports for 2016.

Here’s to a better year, with more memories, in 2017.

https://youtu.be/mPhAZ3c-yaY

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Staff Writer at Elite Sports New York. Lead Writer at New York Sports Hub and My Weekly Sports. Twitter, instagram: @skylardarel. Avid fan of the Yankees, Knicks, Giants, New York City FC, FC Barcelona, and Arsenal FC. Sophomore at the College of New Jersey, studying Communication. Aspiring play-by-play commentator. Grew up in Manhattan, and proud to know how to work the Subway system.