With a robust playoff run within the the close to rearview mirror, it’s value a glance again on the prime 5 most electrifying gamers in New York Islanders franchise historical past. These are stars that modified the momentum of video games with targets, hits, saves and total explosiveness. For context, legends comparable to Bobby Orr, Pavel Bure, Paul Kariya and Dominik Hasek can be outlined as “Electrical!”
#5 Darius Kasparaitis
The Coliseum scoreboard would learn “Darius Kasparaitis EXCITE US!” The undersized defenseman was infamous for terrorizing opposing group superstars comparable to Mark Messier, Mario Lemieux and even Wayne Gretzky. Bodily and antagonistic, Darius would goad opponents into penalties together with his pesky and relentless fashion of play.
Preserve your head up if Darius is on the ice
Along with scoring a number of clutch targets and being a shutdown d-man, Darius was most identified for his devastating hip checks. Kasparaitis as soon as knocked Eric Lindros out for 18 video games with a crushing hit and he was a part of the Islanders group that ended Mario Lemieux’s bid for a 3rd straight Stanley Cup.
#four Mat Barzal
With solely two full seasons in an Islanders sweater, critics would say it’s a bit early to anoint Barzal with any franchise tags simply but. The all-star and Calder Trophy winner has drawn comparisons to Islander greats with wonderful quickness and playmaking capacity. Has there ever been an Islander with the stickhandling magic of #13?
Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders (Picture by Al Bello/Getty Photographs)
One factor that stands out with Barzal is his puck dealing with capacity mixed with the power to vary route. Opposing groups give him a lot room and respect when he has the puck that, at instances, he looks as if he’s the ringer in a beer league recreation! Simply watching his expertise in warmups is a deal with as his skating and stickhandling are world class. He’ll be a enjoyable participant to look at for a few years to come back.
#three Billy Smith
The Corridor of Fame goalie was identified for his huge saves in key playoff video games, together with controversial penalties and his unbelievable competitiveness. Tagged “Cash Goalie” Smith’s aggressive fashion rattled opponents and appeared to raise his recreation the larger the stage and the better the depth.
Billy Smith #31 of the New York Islanders defends the objective throughout a house recreation, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, March 1982. (Picture by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Photographs)
Associated: Billy Smith’s Unimaginable 1981-82 Season
“Smitty” can be handled to choruses of “BIL-LY” by the Coliseum trustworthy after large saves. He would refuse to shake arms with opposing groups after playoff collection and was concerned in a number of soiled slashing incidents, together with one on Gretzky. As well as, Smith provides to his “Electrical” credibility as being the primary netminder to attain a objective, along with his 4 Stanley Cups and 1983 Conn Smythe.
#2 Pat LaFontaine
Arguably the best US born participant of all-time, Pat LaFontaine spent eight seasons on Lengthy Island and is greatest identified for scoring within the fourth extra time in opposition to Washington within the “Easter Epic”. The longest Recreation 7 in NHL historical past, #16 wanted oxygen to complete the lean. Along with being an impressive playmaker, LaFontaine was identified for his signature finish to finish rushes, together with the power to wheel round, by way of and typically over NHL defenders!
Explosive velocity and objective scoring. Pat LaFontaine was an Islander Fan Favourite
The 5-foot-10 LaFontaine was chosen third total by the Isles and used his velocity, dedication and hockey sense for a bid to the Corridor of Fame. Whereas his time in Buffalo with Alexander Mogilny could also be his greatest, LaFontaine nonetheless ranks #7 on the Islanders all-time scoring listing.
#1 Mike Bossy
Together with his signature operating on ice objective celebrations and uncanny capacity to attain from any space of the rink, Mike Bossy is probably the most electrifying participant in Islanders historical past. Chosen 15th total by the Isles, Bossy predicted he would rating 50 targets in his first NHL season. He made good on that declare and it landed him the Calder Trophy en path to an unbelievable 9 straight 50-goal seasons. On prime of being a gifted finisher, he was very good in visitors and scored a lot of his profession 573 targets in entrance of the web whereas falling down or taking a beating from Patrick Division foes.
Canadian hockey participant Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders on the ice, February 1982. (Picture by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Photographs)
Dubbed a pure objective scorer, Bossy’s fast launch wrist shot and bomb slap shot cruising down the proper wing gave goalies within the ’80s nightmares. His 39 hat tips rank third in NHL historical past behind Lemieux’s 40 and Gretzky’s 50. Like LaFontaine, accidents derailed Bossy’s profession and compelled him into an early retirement in 1987, capping a 10-year profession with an NHL report .762 targets per recreation. “The Boss” gained three Girl Byng trophies and was adamant about refusing to combat in an period rife with hockey violence. Arguably the best Islander of all time, #22 was as robust as he was electrical!
