Every great monument has a great architect; the dynasty's architect was general manager Bill Torrey... took a laughingstock that won 12 games in its first season and built it into a champion in seven years, weathering ownership woes and the team's near-bankruptcy along the way... a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame... not done building yet, but sadly his years with the Islanders have come to an end... currently president and governor of the Florida Panthers.

Here's more from Torrey on the 1979-80, 1981-82 and 1982-83seasons.