How were the Islanders regarded in 1980?
- Thread starter Mayor Bee
- Start date
Big Phil
Registered User
- Nov 2, 2003
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They were thought of as chokers. At least going into the 1980 playoffs. Heck, even going into the 1980 final. They had a spectacular season in 1979 but fell to the Rangers in the playoffs somehow. Then in 1980 people forget this but Denis Potvin missed all but about 30 games because of injury. Even Trottier and Bossy's numbers suffered and so did the Isles in the standings.
On January 9th they were 16-17-6. No kidding. Then they picked it up and they acquired Butch Goring on March 10th and they never lost a game the remainder of the regular season.
But the idea was that it was Philly's year. They had that still untouched 35 game unbeaten streak (25-0-10). Montreal was coming off 4 straight Cups and even though they lost some talent and a great coach, I still think they were favoured ahead of the Isles. The Sabres and the Bruins also would be considered more likely to win.
However, one thing gets forgotten about this great team. They probably had the hardest path to the Cup than any team in history (maybe the 2014 Kings). They played the Kings in the 1st round. Not too hard, but they still had the Triple Crown line. Then Boston (105 points), Buffalo (110 points) and Philly (116 points). So I give them props.
On January 9th they were 16-17-6. No kidding. Then they picked it up and they acquired Butch Goring on March 10th and they never lost a game the remainder of the regular season.
But the idea was that it was Philly's year. They had that still untouched 35 game unbeaten streak (25-0-10). Montreal was coming off 4 straight Cups and even though they lost some talent and a great coach, I still think they were favoured ahead of the Isles. The Sabres and the Bruins also would be considered more likely to win.
However, one thing gets forgotten about this great team. They probably had the hardest path to the Cup than any team in history (maybe the 2014 Kings). They played the Kings in the 1st round. Not too hard, but they still had the Triple Crown line. Then Boston (105 points), Buffalo (110 points) and Philly (116 points). So I give them props.
Great post. Yeah, Butch Goring was a big time acquisition for them that year, he really played big for them and gave them a huge lift.
Canadiens1958
Registered User
They were regarded as being about five elements short. Upper end middle of the road team that could be contained in aplayoff series.
Five elements:
1.)No clearly defined #1 goalie until Billy Smith tookover in the playoffs.
2.)Lacking defensive depth with speed, evidenced when Denis Potvin was hurt, improved when Ken Morrow arrived post Olympics.
3.)Bit short with offensive wingers changed with Anders Kallur and Duane Sutter at the start of 1979-80.
4.)Lacked speed and depth at center, Butch Goring changed that.
5.)Lack of offensive speed - 3.) & 4.) changed that.
Five elements:
1.)No clearly defined #1 goalie until Billy Smith tookover in the playoffs.
2.)Lacking defensive depth with speed, evidenced when Denis Potvin was hurt, improved when Ken Morrow arrived post Olympics.
3.)Bit short with offensive wingers changed with Anders Kallur and Duane Sutter at the start of 1979-80.
4.)Lacked speed and depth at center, Butch Goring changed that.
5.)Lack of offensive speed - 3.) & 4.) changed that.
And the Kings actually won a game at Nassau. Game 3 of that best-of-5 series went into OT, so even that series was not a cakewalk.
