With the Stanley cup 2021 going on, Canadian ice hockey legends Bob Nystrom and Clark Gillies sat down for a virtual interview with Chris Peters of Betway Insider to discuss the tips and tricks to successfully win the prestigious trophy.
The duo who had a successful career with New York Islanders touched on the importance of being friends and supporting your teammates as an important trait to add to the group of talented players to the roster.
Bob Nystrom is known for his role on the right side of the field and his famous 1980 Stanley cup winning goal at the 7:11 mark. While his teammate Clark Gillies is the man who provides a much-needed physical presence to the line-up.
The pair went on to win for four Stanley cups back-to-back during 1980-84. They were the integral part of that team along with stars like Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, and Billy Smith.
So, when it comes to winning the Stanley cup, they know a thing or two.
Peters started off the interview, organised by NHL betting site Betway, with questions from their playing days. When asked about the roster lined up by New York Islanders and the time they realised that they had what it takes to lift the Stanley Cup, Nystrom answered;
It became apparent when we won the Stanley Cup [laughs]. You know what, we had a couple of teams in 1978 and 1979 that we really thought we were right there at that point, especially in ’79 when we won the Presidents’ Trophy. We thought we were on our way, but the playoffs are so totally different.
I would have to say when we got [Miracle on Ice defenseman] Kenny Morrow and [trade acquisition] Butch Gohring, I think that really solidified our team. At that point, I thought we could have a run at it.
While Gillies joined the conversation to add;
I agree totally with Bob, it was a real learning process for us. It took losing those two years against Toronto and the Rangers. It took losing to help us figure out what we needed to do to put the effort in to win.
When asked about the additions of Morrow and Gohring and the contribution of Bill Torrey;
When we lost in ’79 to the Rangers, I thought for sure they were going to change a lot of people on the team. I have to compliment Bill Torrey and Al Arbour for being patient and when they picked up Butch and Kenny, that made a big difference. All the guys came together really, really well. We went out together at night, you know. We had a good group.
Bill Torrey, to remind few is the man behind successful teams like Oakland Seals, New York Islanders, and Florida Panthers back in the 80’s. He was an integral part of the dynasty that won the Stanley cup back-to-back for 4 years. Torrey along with Al Arbour have banners hanging in the rafters to this day as a mark of respect.
Arbour for his part was one of the few NHL managers who lasted more than the others during his stint with the Islanders. He successfully managed a team full of superstars without letting their egos get the better of each other.
Next question from Peters was in reference to their continuous success.
So how much did that first championship galvanize the group? What made you all want to stick together and keep pushing for even more success?
To which Gillies replied;
I always go back to 1978 and 1979 and what a bitter taste that left in our mouths. To win, to find out what a sweet taste that was. We were still a very young team and the personnel had not changed from the first year. So we were still all very hungry. We knew we had another shot. That was great, let’s do it again! That was the feeling amongst everybody.
By the time they won their 4th cup, it was like it was inevitable that New York Islanders would win it at the end of the season. They had dominated the game to that extend.
The 2020 season was a unique one with the Pandemic happening and the uncertainty to the start of the tournament which of course happened behind closed doors. The Tampa Bay Lightning who last won the cup in 2003-04 season turned it around and finally lifted it last year.
Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs have better odds than Tampa Bay this season ahead of the Playoffs. But, who will win it come July? We will have to wait and see.
You can see the full interview, plus NHL picks and predictions on the Betway Insider.
