On this day four years ago, the New York Islanders sent Butch Goring's No. 91 to the Nassau Coliseum rafters.
On this day four years ago, the New York Islanders sent Butch Goring's No. 91 to the Nassau Coliseum rafters.
It's been four years since the New York Islanders sent Butch Goring's No. 91 to the rafters of Nassau Coliseum.
But because of leap years, today marks the first true anniversary of Goring's jersey going to the toy department ahead of the Islanders' battle with the Boston Bruins on Feb. 29, 2020:
Coming over to the Islanders in a trade during the 1979-80 season -- one of the most important trade-deadline acquisitions of all time -- he helped them win their first of four straight Stanley Cups (1980-1983).
In 12 games after landing on Long Island, Goring scored six goals with five assists before a strong playoff performance with seven goals and 12 assists in 21 games.
After the Islanders hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1981, Goring was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after a 20-point (10 goals, 10 assists) performance.
Over the course of his six years on Long Island, Goring scored 87 goals and tallied 108 assists for 195 points in 332 regular season games played, adding 28 goals and 40 assists for 68 points in 99 playoff games.
Goring thanked all of his former teammates, including the legends he would be joining in the rafters during his speech four years ago.
He has connected generations of Islanders fans, from those watching during the dynasty years with him as a player to now, where he serves as the Islanders color commentator on MSG Networks.
Here is the entirety of the ceremony:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nor1swktLCo[/embed]
Feb. 29 is a rare milestone day that Islanders fans can only celebrate the anniversary every four years for the four-time Stanley Cup Champion Goring.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5MgCw7gyCQ[/embed]