The legends of New York Islanders, Clark Gillies, and Bobby Nystrom had a brief talk with NHL lines site Betway and shared their views on the important subject – winning the Stanley Cup. But, they also took time to reveal the dynasty and what makes the road to Stanley Cup so long and difficult.
The 2020 champions Tampa Bay Lightning learned the hard way that you have to go through hardships to gain something of worth. They finally got to hoist the revered Stanley Cup.
The core reason for them being successful is that they did not blow up the roster. Because the core team remained intact and the front desk showed patience, they managed to add depth and form to the team and win the season. Building the cores is the most important thing to do if you wish to earn the reputation of winning the Stanley Cup too.
Bobby and Clark have been teammates for a very long time and were part of the New York Islanders from 1980 to 1984, so they know a thing or two about the sport and Stanley Cup. In fact, they know an awful lot because of which it matters, even more, to get to sit and have a chat with them. Their best bet was the core of players that stuck with them for years. Before they won the first championship in 1980 and the dynasty began. Some of those key core players were Mike Bossy, Billy Smith, Denis Potvin, and so on. Bossy was the team’s goal scorer for 3 seasons. This is what made the Islanders so powerful at their core.
When Did Bobby and Clark Realize They Had a Capable Team?
An important question in everyone’s mind today is how to know if you have the right team because nobody knows from before if they can win or not? Bobby and Clark explain that they had a couple of teams from 1979 and 1980 and when they won the President’s Trophy, they realized that their gameplay was totally different, much better.
They owe it to the Miracle on Ice Defenseman from Kenny Morrow and Butch Goring who solidified their team. But, one of the things missing in 1978 and 79 was physicality. It was only in 1980 that they woke up and that too in a big way. This allowed them to not be pushed aside and eventually win against the Flyers.
Is Being Friends and Liking Each Other Important?
Yes. Certain guys would hang out and get together. “We were all friends”, Clark laughs. It didn’t matter if they went for lunch or not, but they must be willing to get a beating if needed from the other team.
So, overall to win the Stanley Cup, you need a core team of players that can depend on each other like family and be ready to go through the wall if needed.
Source: Betway’s blog.
Images courtesy of NHL.com and HHOF
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