Just ask the Islanders and Oilers.
Which team, though, has been the worst in the past 10 years?
A case can be made for several teams. Let's look at them:
Islanders
Ten years is not a long enough period to describe the futility of the Isles since their dominance in the 1980s. Here's where they've finished in their division in the past 10 years since the '90s turned into the 2000s: fifth, fifth, second, third, third, fourth, fourth, fifth, fifth, fifth, fifth.
That's not that good.
They have, however, made the playoffs four times this decade, but they've failed to make it out of the first round on all four occasions.
Oilers
Edmonton secured the top pick in the 2010 draft, and they may be getting it again in 2011. Though they've been stuck at the bottom of the standings for quite some time, they did play for the Stanley Cup in the spring of 2006. Losing the Cup — to a team from North Carolina, of all places — probably doesn't have fans feeling to great up there.
Panthers
Here's a secret: Florida is not exactly full of puck-loving people. They much more enjoy relaxing in the sun. So it should be no surprise that the Panthers haven't made the playoffs since the spring of 2000.
If the fans (and there are some very loyal fans) aren't demanding more from the team, it's hard to expect them to ever improve.
Letters like this one don't help, either.
Maple Leafs
One of the best — if not the very best — hockey towns in North America deserves better than what it's getting right now.
In each of the past four years, the Leafs have finished dead last in the Northeast Division. They made the playoffs six straight seasons, but they've yet to make it back after the lockout. Trading away all their draft picks for Phil Kessel probably won't help them climb the NHL mountain any time soon.
Blue Jackets
NHL fans know the Blue Jackets exist, but not many other folks do.
Founded in 2000, the Jackets are 294-370-33-67, making the playoffs just once.
There's hope in Columbus this year, though, as the Jackets are 15-10-1, good enough for ninth place in the conference.
Which team has been the worst in the last 10 years? Share your thoughts below.
Tuesday, Dec. 7: How many points will Marc Savard have at the end of the season?
Which has been the worst team in the NHL in the past 10 years?online surveys
