Remembering Mike Bossy, Islanders Legend & Hockey Hall Of Famer

Stephen Brunt looks back at some of the best memories and moments from Mike Bossy, after the New York Islanders’ legend passed away at the age of 65.
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[elvisparker]

Lifelong Rangers Fan here. With a lump in my throat and a Heavy Heart, My Deepest Condolences To Islanders Nation. First Clark, then Jean, now the Very Best Goal Scorer Ever. Godspeed Mike Bossy. You'll never see another team like Those Islanders 1977 - 1987. Bossy was Amazing. We're Rivals guys, Not Enemies...

[paulsturman]

RIP Mike. Gentleman and all-time NHL superstar. Nicely done Sportsnet.

[ChrisDutch]

Heartbroken Islander fan here in New Jersey. Truly an amazing player and a fine person. R.I.P. Mike, you were the best. As Ron Greschner said when he was asked, ”How do you deal with Bossy when he he’s playing?” “Get off the ice, go for a line change.”

[TheMhwinner]

RIP Mike Bossy. The greatest Islander of all time 🙏

[jeremybeckett]

As someone who was lucky enough to be alive and a hockey fan during the time of his career I feel blessed to have been able to be witness to his greatness on and off the ice. An absolute scoring legend that will be forever missed.

[azazc]

What a wonderful player. Bossy was a 3 time winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which tells one about both playing ability and conduct.

[randybailin]

I was a Capitals season ticket holder in the late 1970s through the 1980s. I saw more of Gretzky and Bossy than I care to remember. You're watching the game and out of nowhere the puck is in the net. Everyone, the goalie included, looking around wondering what just happened. Bossy would find holes that you didn't realize were there until the light started flashing. RIP to one of the greats.

[blackbiscuit]

RIP Mike Bossy. A legend of the sport that will forever be an inspiration to the hockey community.

[bern]

Very sad, Mike was a classy person and one of the greatest hockey players of all time. RIP Mike.

[alexx]

RIP Bossy, if he played over 1100 games he couldve hit around 900+ goals for sure. 573 goals in 752 games it nuts!

[klimovec]

Rest in peace, legend. We’ll never forget.

[canzuk]

Hab fan here... I can only cry remembering how my Canadiens passed up Bossy on that faithful night, while the Islanders picked up what would become one of the greatest goal scoring machine in the NHL, R.I.P my friend you will be remembered by ALL and that is the greatest gift to Bossy.. a legend !

[duskopopov]

So sad to hear of mike bossy's passing, For my money he's easily the greatest goal scorer in hockey history, Condolences to his family!

[Andyanddiana]

Ranger fan here - hated when the Islanders would beat my team in the '80s, but much respect for the legend. RIP.

[andrewnielsen]

Tears today on Good Friday. My favorite player on my favorite team. Mike Bossy's 9 straight 50 goal seasons and average goals per game o f.762 debunks all the what ifs, injuries, hockey era's etc. etc.. Even Wayne Gretzky got injured in season 8 and his consecutive 50 goal season run ended. Mike Bossy is in another realm of scoring and was driven each and every season to get 50 goals. He strived for that with no excuses and the results show. 40 years later and now even with rule changes opening up the game in the last decade the best that we are seeing is maybe 3 consecutive 50 goal seasons and just a few in the .60 avg goals per game range. As well the Islanders that Mike played on had so much character, grit, toughness and high skill. They could play any style of game and beat you. They are the last NHL team to win 3 cups in a row. In their drive for 3 cups they were down 3-1 to the Penguins in Game 5. They scored 2 goals in the final 5 minutes and won in OT. They went on to win the cup that year. This team would just never give up. Can still see Potvin his devastating hip check, great wrist shot and cannon from the point on the power play, Tonelli and the Sutter brothers grinding the puck out of the corner, Billy Carrol, on the penalty kill, Bobby Bourne going end to end, Trottier dominating at center as he played effortlessly and Gillies and Nystrom pounding other teams. They just didn't beat the Oilers the next year - they swept them and shut down Gretzky after a 200 point season . The next year with the tank empty and all banged up they somehow made it to the finals again. The Game 5 in the opening round vs the Rangers still goes as maybe one of the most exciting and dramatic games in NHL history. They just kept fighting through adversity and never gave up enroute to a record that will never ever be 19 straight playoff series A true testament to Mike Bossy's and the Islanders going to a higher realm and transcending the rest and even the Oilers only ever winning 2 consecutive cups know this and can only wonder what nearly 5 cups in a row would feel like.

[kenarthur]

OMG. So sad. His Islanders Teams were amazingly dominant. Rest In Peace, Legend

[JC-semi]

I was an big time Oilers fan growing up in Scarborough, ON during the 80’s. I’ll never forget meeting Mike Bossy at a Kmart while he was signing autographs promoting Titan hockey sticks. He was such a nice man. I had a soft spot for the Islanders after that day. RIP

[TheBoxfitter]

It was an honor to have watched him play. His second effort goal in the playoff's against Vancouver where he was in the air (and not in contact with the ice) was just a thing of beauty.
He will be missed greatly.

On a side note: He was responsible for me receiving free chili at L.I. Wendy's (LOL).

[peterlee]

I always liked Mike Bossy even though I was a Flames fan. His skill, class and perseverance kept me as a fan from his early days to present. Sad to hear of his passing but thankful for what he gave us all! Blessings!

[khadennowack]

Rest In Peace Mike Bossy🕊
You were a legend of Hockey and you will never be forgotten❤️
(1957-2022)