'Battlin' Billy Smith turns 59 today

by Dominik on Dec 12, 2009 7:00 AM EST in Islanders of Yesteryear Comment 6 comments

A truly one-of-a-kind goaltender, Billy Smith turns 59 today.

Was he "clutch" -- or just overrated thanks to the team around him? Well, you don't win four Stanley Cups, nor 19 consecutive playoff series, without having a true beast in "the most important position" in hockey.

But don't take my word for it -- oh, and don't you dare talk to him on game day:

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Happy Birthday #31

A true legend, hands down the best playoff goalie ever. Talk about amazing focus.
I always wear my #31 jersey to games with pride from the good old days.

by Siteoptimizer on Dec 12, 2009 2:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I always wear my #31 jersey to games with pride from the good old days.

Excellent. Incidentally, that bio video is one of the best they made for the old Islanders. Really got a look into his head and a good feel for how his teammate’s — even Hrudey — thought of him. I was going to quote some of it in the post, but the whole thing is a quote machine.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Dec 12, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, those videos are great, the Potvin one is pretty awesome too!

by Siteoptimizer on Dec 12, 2009 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Happy Birthday Billy

I remember having watch duty at the Naval Training Center in San Diego back during game one of the 1983 Finals. Nothing was going to stop me from watching battling Billy take on the Great One and the Oilers. When my watch was over I changed clothes and hopped the fence at the base to go to a bar across the street to watch the game. It was the greatest performance by Smith as he stopped everything the Oilers shot at him. No one gave the Isles a chance but they shutout the Oilers that night and swept the series for their 4th straight Stanley Cup. That night was one of the greatest sporting events I ever witnessed. I’ve met Billy many times since then and he’s one of the most regular guys you’ll ever meet but always with an opinion on something. Thanks for the memories Billy and happy birthday.

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 10:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Awesome, awesome awesome

Wow, thanks for sharing that. Love stories like those.

So many “without [blank] the Dynasty wouldn’t have happened” moments, I think that Game 1 performance is often overlooked.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Dec 14, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Classic Billy Moment

If you have that Ten Greatest Games collection, look at the disc with the 1983 clincher against the Oilers. At the end after the game, Billy is with a HNiC interviewer and Ziegler is waiting to give him his Conn Smythe. On the air with Ziegler watching, he jubilantly boasts that he took a dive in the third period to draw a major penalty that was pretty crucial in sealing the win. He claimed it was turn about fair play because he felt that Gretzky had done the same thing to draw a major in an earlier game. Ziegler looks like he wants to jump out of his skin and Billy just laughs. What a guy!!!

by BCISLEMAN on Dec 14, 2009 7:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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New York Islanders Roster

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Josh Bailey	12	C	10/2/1989	188	6-1
Sean Bergenheim	20	LW	2/8/1984	205	5-10
Martin Biron	43	G	8/15/1977	180	6-3
Blake Comeau	57	RW	2/18/1986	207	6-1
Bruno Gervais	8	D	10/3/1984	205	6-1
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Jack Hillen	38	D	1/24/1986	200	5-11
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Tim Jackman	28	RW	11/14/1981	210	6-4
Dustin Kohn	56	D	2/2/1987	200	6-2
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Freddy Meyer	44	D	1/4/1981	192	5-10
Matt Moulson	26	LW	11/1/1983	206	6-1
Frans Nielsen	51	C	4/24/1984	172	5-11
Kyle Okposo	21	RW	4/16/1988	200	6-1
Richard Park	10	RW	5/27/1976	190	5-11
Dylan Reese	42	D	8/29/1984	195	6-0
Dwayne Roloson	30	G	10/12/1969	180	6-1
Jon Sim	16	LW	9/29/1977	195	5-10
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Jeff Tambellini	15	LW	4/13/1984	186	5-11
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Doug Weight	93	C	1/21/1971	196	5-11

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