Remembering Mike Bossy

This is truly a terrible year for the New York Islanders. Terrible for them is their disappointing “miss the playoffs” season. Virtually tragic, is the fact two greats from their glorious past, Clark Gilles and now the superb/ all-time type goal scorer, Mike Bossy have died far too young.

I knew Bossy was sick and though news of his death was not a shock, it resonates in hurt/lost time and “oh so much loss,” ways.

His great glory was exhibited on so many occasions, one I believe a Saturday night when he hit the 50 goals scored mark in his fiftieth game. The feat electrified the Nassau Coliseum crowd!

Even greater glory to me anyway, watching in ’82, with Dad and Ike, none of us really or even “at all,” Islanders’ fans and seeing Mr. Bossy grab the Conn Smythe Trophy as outstanding ‘offs performer, as the Islanders clinched their third straight title, completing a 4 game final round sweep, on a Sunday night in Vancouver vs the Canucks.

Bossy was an incredible goal scorer and the Islanders were an incredible team, winning 4 straight titles (’80-’83), reaching 5 straight final rounds (’80-’84) and making at least the “semis” nine of ten times from (’75-’84).

39 years have passed since title #4 in same calendar 1983. Gillies and Bossy have died, next year the same “40 years” derision aimed at the Rangers’ failures can be aimed at the Isles.

Alas, that and any of the derision is not my CUP (pun intended) of choice. Those Islanders rank with any team and one might choose them over any, save the greatest of the Montreal Canadiens’ teams.

Mr. Bossy born in Montreal may not have been the greatest goal scorer ever, but it sure does not take long to call his name on that list.

Another true great gone. So sad, but some solace in having seen his goal scoring, sniping, brilliant play.

Click below to view Mike Bossy matching the legendary Maurice “Rocket” Richard with his 50th goal in 50 games. Jiggs MacDonald an excellent broadcaster makes the call, Ed Westfall a fine player and decent analyst adds some words.