Logical Progression wrote:
What happened? Very sad. I remember an imposing power forward with that flowing helmetless hair.
I don't know yet. He apparently passed away during the game last night or shortly before. The Isles org found out as the game ended and damn if the broadcast team didn't do a hell of a job with a post-game video tribute. Butch Goring was nearly in tears talking about his old friend/teammate. Shannon Hogan did an amazing job while slightly crying. Players and Trotz were asked about Gillies. They all told great stories about how wonderful a guy he has been since retiring, staying on Long Island and with his foundation. Everyone talked about how kind he was. Except Butch, who reminded everyone that Gillies would beat the living crap out of anyone who messed with an Islander player, or anyone who got between him and the puck.
Without Gillies, the Isles don't win their first Cup, let alone 4. He and Nystrom met prior to their series vs Boston in 1980 and decided they'd eliminate the intimidation factor that O'Reilly and Jonathan had enjoyed for years. I don't remember which of them said it, but the agreement was that Gillies would take on O'Reilly and Nystrom would take on Jonathan the first chances they got. They did it, won the fights and the rest is history. I've heard Nystrom say they both knew the Isles' playoff chances depended on them winning those fights so they gave absolutely everything they had in them. It worked. Much respect to them both. Everyone remembers Nystrom scoring the Cup clinching goal in OT, but they wouldn't have gotten there without Gillies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsl76ewN2UwGood write up here-
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2022/1/21/22895958/islanders-legend-clark-gillies-passes-away-at-67I didn't get to see Gillies play as much as I'd liked, but man they could sure use a player like him now. And the world could use more people like him. Damn shame. Passed far too young.