I grew up on Long Island and the Islanders were my life. In the summer of '83 (after the 4th Cup), the family relocated to Charlotte. No cable tv, so no more NHL. Don't think I saw another hockey game until 1988. By then, the Hornets had come to town, and I got caught up in that.
Hated seeing the Islanders move to Brooklyn, but it's better than having them become the Quebec Nordiques 2.0. Don't really follow it that much anymore, but I still enjoy it when the Rangers lose. Further proof that "sports hate" is stronger than "sports love". I guess.