I thought I would do something a little out of the ordinary and have some fun with it. Today I am going to suggest two all-star New York Islander teams, picking from the all-time best Islander players. Each team is a centre, right wing, left wing, two defencemen, and a goalie.
First New York Islander All-Star Team
Right Wing
Mike Bossy
Well, of course, this is a no-brainer. Mike has five 60-goal seasons. Mike scored a miraculous 50 goals in 50 games in 1981. He is one of only five players to do so. Mike lit up the lamp 68 times that year. His best season was 78-79, with 69 goals. If it wasn't for injuries, Mike could have played another six seasons, if not more. Mike won the Lady Bing trophy three times (Most Gentlemanly Player) in 82-83, 84-85, and 85-86. He received the Conn Smyth Trophy in playoffs 81-82.
Brian Trottier
I have said many times that Trottier is the best Islander player in history. People will debate that it is either him or Bossy. There is no debating that Brian is the first-team centre. Brian had five 100-point seasons. Brian's best was 134 points in 78-79. He won the Art Ross trophy in 78-79 (leading NHL scorer), and the Conn Smythe trophy (MVP playoffs) in 79-80. Brian's most significant individual achievement was the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP in NHL) in 78-79.
Left Wing
Clark Gillies
Clark might have been the unsung hero of the 80s. He was the ultimate power forward. There is no way Bossy and Trottier would have had the room they had. Gillies' best season was 91 points in 78-79. Clark scored his shares of garbage goals in his career. He was one of the strongest players of his day. He epitomized the perfect heart and soul of the Islanders.
Defencemen
Denis Potvin
Denis was one of the best dmen in the NHL for years. Denis was well known for his offensive contributions. He had two 90-point seasons and one 100-point season. Let me tell you one more thing. He was one of the best all-around defensemen in the League. Very steady in his team's own end and underrated for his defensive play. Denis had three James Norris Trophies on his wall: 75-76, 77-78, 78-79,
Stefan Persson
Stefan is the ultimate partner for Potvin. He had a great shot on the powerplay. A solid skater who was an excellent support for his team in the defensive zone. He was often overshadowed by Povin. People took him for granted, but he was a solid defenceman in his own right.
Goaltender
Billy Smith
Mr. Intensity. No one will ever doubt Billy's heart. Billy would always make the save that is needed to keep his team in the game. One stat I did not know before I researched Smith was that he won a Vezina trophy (best goalie) in 81-82. He also won the Conn Smyth trophy in 82-83. His lowest goal against average was 2.5 in 76-77. Smith was a great standup goalie who wore his heart on the shoulder.
The most significant debate is on the second defenceman. I could have gone several different ways. I finally went for Persson because of his ability to play the powerplay.
Second New York Islander All-Star Team
Centre
Pat LaFontaine
I was going back and forth on Lafontaine and Turgeon. Turgeon had the more prominent seasons, LaFontaine had the years of service and, of course, the goal—the 1987 fourth period overtime goal will always be a jewel in his crown. Pat was a terrific, talented, playmaking centre who did everything right. Many people think of him as one of the greatest American players. Pat's best season as an Islander was in 87 with a record of 54-51-105. Pat had one trophy, the Bill Masteron trophy (given to the player who represents the qualities of sportsmanship and perseverance.)
Right Wing
Zigmund Palffy
Zigmund was a terrific sniper for the Isles in the late 90s. He was the heart and soul for the Isles. When they needed a goal, he was the one to get it. A great skater and playmaker who was a powerplay specialist, with a deadly wrist shot. Ziggy had three 40-goal seasons: 95-96, 96-97, 97-98. Ziggy's best season was in 97-98, achieving a 45-goal season.
Left Wing
John Tonelli
Tonelli was a no-nonsense winger who loved getting his nose dirty. John was a vital piece of the 80s Islander cups franchise. He was a one-time 40-goal scorer in 84-85. He recorded 100 points that season. John was a complete player who took of the defensive end as well as the offensive end.
Defence
Kenny Jonsson
Kenny was a solid defender who took care of his own zone. Kenny had a great slap shot. Was involved in all aspects game and was a leader on the ice. Would bail out his teammates over and over again. His speed would often bail him out of trouble. I was heartbroken when the Leafs sent him to the isles.
Ryan Pulock
Ryan's best weapon is his slapshot. The Isles use Ryan on point on the powerplay. He could easily be a future powerplay quarterback. Ryan is a very smart young defenceman. I know I may shock you with this pick, but I feel Pulock belongs here. Ryan will be a standout for years to come.
Goalie
Glenn "Chico" Resch
Glen was a small goalie who played his angles very well. He was rarely caught out of position and was the mainstay early in his career for the Isles in net. His best year as an Islander goalie was in 75-76, with a 2.07 average. Glenn had seven shutouts that year. He was steller for the Islanders that season. He also won the Bill Masteron Trophy (given to the player who represents the qualities of sportsmanship and perseverance) in 81-82. That trophy pretty much is Resch in a nutshell.
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