Worst Moments in Islanders History & Kane is Already the Greatest American-Born Player
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a few “Today in Hockey History” posts, ten of the worst moments in New York Islanders history, why Patrick Kane is already the greatest American-born player, bad trades in Edmonton Oilers history, and more.
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Now on to the good stuff…
Today in Hockey History: Nov. 20
This is a pretty important date for Boston in National Hockey League history. Nov. 20 has also been rather kind to players and fans in Toronto and Philadelphia, as well. Two legendary goaltenders got their numbers retired in the same ceremony, and one of the legends in Detroit accomplished something only one other player had in league history. So, let’s start our daily trip back in time to revisit all the best this date has given us.
Kane Is Already the Greatest American-Born NHL Player of All-Time
The 100th player in NHL history to join the 400-goal club, Patrick Kane is still far from being done dominating. Sitting in third all-time for overall production by a US-born player, he also ranks highest among active athletes on that list with time ahead of him to further his case as the most elite American ever.
While many anticipate Kane becoming the best player to develop out of the USA, the reality is that he already is. Despite a handful of former superstars born on the same soil having accumulated higher point totals than Kane has to date, that does little to tell the full story.
First and foremost, this is a focus on players, as goalies deserve a discussion of their own. Second, and more importantly, Kane’s greatness stretches beyond goals and assists.
Islanders’ 10 Worst Moments in 50-Year Franchise History
As their 50th anniversary season celebration occurred in 2022-23, the New York Islanders recalled all the amazing moments that have happened since their inaugural season in 1972. With four Stanley Cup championships and dozens of stars to have worn the blue and orange, there is no shortage of wonderful memories. But how about the not-so-wonderful ones? Don’t we all need to spend a little time getting knocked on our butts to truly appreciate our times in the sun?
Thus, here are the 10 worst moments in the Islanders’ 50-year history:
Today in Hockey History: Nov. 19
This date in National Hockey History has seen quite a bit of action in New York, both on Broadway and Long Island. Plus, one of the game’s all-time greats has his number retired three years before he wears it again. Some of the best players and coaches of their generations hit significant milestones on Nov. 19. So, let’s hop aboard the THW time machine to relive all the best moments.
Worst Trades in Oilers History
by Jim Parsons
Trades provide each and every NHL team with the opportunity to immediately address glaring needs within their respective rosters. Good trades can set your franchise up for incredible success. Bad trades can leave you without a GM and needing to hire a new manager and coach in the offseason.
The Edmonton Oilers are not the only team to make poor trades. That said, they’ve had their fair share of whoppers.
Today in Hockey History: Nov. 18
This date has been huge in both Detroit and Toronto as some of the greatest players in NHL history had career highlights. There have also been a bunch of firsts for both players and teams, as well as a ton of personal milestones along the way.
5 Forgotten Jets of the 2.0 Era
by Declan Schroeder
Some former Winnipeg Jets will remembered for a long time — bruising x-factor Dustin Byfuglien, Finnish phenom Patrik Laine, dedicated centre Bryan Little — but those are the exception. Despite the Jets relocating from Atlanta just 12 years ago, there are already a number of players most people have probably forgotten played for the team.
For fairness’ sake, no player who played fewer than 10 games with the Jets will be included.
With that caveat out of the way, it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and recall five former Jets for the first time in a long time.