Islanders Dynasty Giving Current Team A Benchmark
The 1980-83 New York Islanders dynasty was perhaps the most dominant team in the history of sports. Now, the 2021 Islanders are looking to embark on a Stanley Cup run of their own.
New York — who is currently leading the Penguins 3-2 in a best-of-seven series — is 17-1 odds to win the 2021 Stanley Cup in the NHL odds. They have been excelling in Barry Trotz’s defensive system, getting help from rookie netminder Ilya Sorokin, who has been unstoppable in the postseason.
But the Islanders would be nowhere without their top forwards, a group which includes Mathew Barzal, Josh Bailey, Jordan Eberle, Anthony Beauvillier, Brock Nelson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Oliver Wahlstrom.
The dynasty teams had top forwards of their own, including Bobby Nystrom and Clark Gillies, who recently sat down with Betway Insider to discuss some of their best memories.
A Big Trade
Lou Lamoriello has made some big trades over the last few years, similar to Bill Torrey, who acquired Butch Goring and Ken Morrow before New York’s Cup runs.
“When we lost in ’79 to the Rangers, I thought for sure they were going to change a lot of people on the team,” Nystrom said. “I have to compliment Torrey and Al Arbour for being patient and when they picked up [Goring] and [Morrow], that made a big difference. All the guys came together really, really well. We went out together at night, you know. We had a good group.”
Goring played 332 games for the Islanders, notching 87 goals and 108 assists. He also served as the coach and currently is the color commentator for games on MSG Network. His presence in the locker room inspired players to set their sights on a championship.
“I would have to say when we got Morrow and Goring, I think that really solidified our team,” Nystrom said. “At that point, I thought we could have a run at it.”
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The First Championship
The current Islanders roster is trying to earn their first Stanley Cup. Nystrom and Gillies, however, were experts. After they won their first, it set a foundation for future success.
“When you really come right down to it, it’s such an education,” Nystrom said in an interview with Betway. “Once you experience what you go through in all of those series, all of a sudden you’re not shaking. [Arbour] would always say, ‘don’t be afraid to lose, the sun will come up in the morning.'”
“Would you rather be the person that’s out there on his toes attacking, attacking, or the guy sitting back on the bench worrying about making a mistake? So, we learned a lot from him, but we learned a lot from each other also.”
Years of hardship allowed the Islanders to build confidence and experience. 1978 and 1979 were tough defeats, ones where the Islanders were so close, yet so far.
“I always go back to 1978 and 1979 and what a bitter taste that left in our mouths,” Gillies said. “To win, to find out what a sweet taste that was. We were still a very young team and the personnel had not changed from the first year. So we were still all very hungry. We knew we had another shot.
“That was the feeling amongst everybody. We were a very good hockey team and we had every right to repeat. Let’s go out there and do it again. We all had the same mindset. Our only outcome that we all wanted was to win the cup again.”
Four Cups and Bonds For Life
After winning one, the Islanders were not stopped. They won four Stanley Cups, creating one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sports. But even though the Islanders were a powerhouse, they had their negative thoughts.
“There was always doubt,” Nystrom said. “There were some very, very good teams. We knew each year that we were going to have to do our best and play our best and overcome adversity. It’s just not an easy thing to win.”
With a flat salary cap, replicating the Islanders dynasty will be hard to do. Many doubt it will ever be done again.
“I think it’s impossible,” Nystrom said. “We had most of our team together for those Stanley Cups. That’s unheard of. A guy will have a great season and they’re moving on to another team for more money. That really never happened with us.”
With great memories behind them and four Stanley Cups to show for it, the Islanders dynasty was one to remember, giving the current team a goal — albeit a lofty one — to strive for. Now, New York will look to make it a reality.
“We have the best fans,” Gillies said. “I’m still here on the Island working and they never stop talking about the Stanley Cups. Everyone is still so enthralled with what our group did back in the early 1980s.”
