New York’s last championship teams

• It was a fight just to get there. The Rangers knocked off the Devils in a wild conference final that featured three double-overtime games. They defeated the Canucks in seven games to win their first Stanley Cup in 54 years.
  Closest since: 2014.
  The Rangers made it back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since winning it in 1994. After falling into an early 3-0 hole to the Kings, the Rangers managed to squeak out a win at home to avoid the sweep. They lost in double-overtime in Game 5, giving the Kings their second Stanley Cup in three years.
  Last playoff appearance: 2016.
  The Rangers lost in five games to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference first-round series.” data-id=”110387140″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/17840_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.10387140″/>

• With Billy Smith having an outstanding series in goal, the Islanders swept the Edmonton Oilers to win their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup. Brothers Duane and Brent Sutter helped lead the offense.
  Closest since: 1984.
  The Islanders, four-time defending Stanley Cup champions, lost in the finals to the Edmonton Oilers in five games. The Islanders had beaten the Rangers (3-2), Capitals (4-1) and Canadiens (4-2) to win the Wales Conference title and reach the Stanley Cup Finals.
  Last playoff appearance: 2016.
  The Islanders beat the Florida Panthers in six games to advance out of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 1993. They lost in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round. ” data-id=”110387132″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/17842_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.10387132″/>

• Julius Erving led the then-New York Nets of the ABA past the Nuggets in six games in the ABA Finals.
  Closest since: 2003.
  For the second straight year, the Nets lost in the NBA Finals. This time it was in six games to the Spurs.
  Last playoff appearance: 2015.
  In Lionel Hollins’ first year as coach, the Nets were the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference but lost to the Hawks in six games in the first round. ” data-id=”110387148″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/17844_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.10387148″/>

When was the last time a New York area sports franchise won a major professional league championship? For quite a few teams, it’s been forever. For others, it just feels that way. Here’s a look at how close the 11 NYC-area teams have come to winning their next title.