Billy Smith (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

Smith was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1970 and spent two seasons in the minor leagues before making his NHL debut in 1972. He was selected by the New York Islanders in the 1972 NHL Expansion Draft and became the team's starting goaltender in 1974–75, leading them to their first playoff appearance. Known as 'Battlin' Billy' for his fiery temper and aggressive use of his stick and blocker to protect his crease, Smith was the first goaltender to wear a helmet-and-cage combination mask while winning the Stanley Cup. He was also noted for feigning injuries to draw penalties against opponents and for refusing to participate in traditional post-series handshakes.

Reader's Guide

Smith's significance lies in his role as the backbone of the Islanders' dynasty that won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983. He was the first goaltender in NHL history to be credited with scoring a goal, on November 28, 1979. His playoff performance was exceptional: he won 88 of 132 combined playoff starts, setting the all-time record for playoff wins by a goaltender at the time of his retirement. He won the Vezina Trophy in 1981–82, the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1982–83, and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1983. Smith was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993, had his number 31 retired by the Islanders that same year, and was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017.

Did You Know?

• He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1983 after going 13–3 with three shutouts and a 2.68 GAA.
• Smith was the last original Islander still on the team when he retired in 1989.
• He was named MVP of the 1978 All-Star Game.