Our series of audio documentaries examining seasons in which a New York Islander took home a major NHL award looks at a Rookie of the Year that gave fans hope in a time of crisis. Anyone that saw Bryan Berard play during that time knew the Islanders had a unique, exciting weapon on their hands. The swift-skating defenseman could legitimately bring fans out of their seats during a season that saw a rocky ownership change, a coaching change and a ton of losses.

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