Conn Smythe Trophy

While Montreal was dominating the NHL landscape, another franchise was developing, ready to pounce on the championship throne. That team—the New York Islanders. Led by BRYAN TROTTIER, Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin and Billy Smith, the Islanders had been contenders in the Patrick Division for several years, either topping the division or coming second to Philadelphia for five years. In 1979-80, they came in second to the Flyers with 91 points to Philadelphia’s 116. BRYAN TROTTIER led the Islanders in scoring, finishing sixth overall in the regular season with 42 goals, 62 assists and 104 points. Eager for their opportunity to sip champagne from the Stanley Cup, the Islanders pushed the competition aside through the playoffs, meeting the Philadelphia Flyers in the finals. New York was up three games to two entering the sixth game. With a dramatic overtime goal from Bob Nystrom, the New York Islanders won the Stanley Cup—their first in franchise history. The Islanders played 21 games in the 1979-80 postseason, with BRYAN TROTTIER leading all point getters with 12 goals, 17 assists and 29 points. For his role in leading the New York Islanders to their first championship, BRYAN TROTTIER was awarded the CONN SMYTHE TROPHY