Bob Nystrom

Lore & Background

Nystrom's most enduring legacy is his knack for sudden death overtime winners. He ended playoff overtime games four times in his career, but none was bigger than on May 24, 1980. At the 7:11 mark of overtime in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers, Nystrom scored the game winner on an assist from John Tonelli to secure the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. This clutch performance, combined with his physical style of play and his embrace of the Long Island community, earned him the nickname 'Mr. Islander'.

Reader's Guide

Bob Nystrom's most significant achievement with the Islanders was scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal in overtime of Game Six of the 1980 Stanley Cup Final. This victory signaled the first of four straight championships for the Islanders. Nystrom was a prominent member of the team during their rise, known for his physical style of play and his ability to score clutch goals. He tallied 39 goals and 83 points in 157 playoff games, including four career overtime winners. Beyond the playoffs, Nystrom was a steady two-way forward who collected over 20 goals in each of his first five seasons, including a career-high 30 in 1977–78. He was also selected to play in the 1977 NHL All-Star Game. His number 23 was retired by the Islanders on April 1, 1995.

Did You Know?

• Nystrom's son Eric was drafted 10th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2002 NHL entry draft.
• In 1991, the Islanders began presenting the Bob Nystrom Award to the player 'who best exemplifies leadership, hustle, and dedication'.
• Nystrom was part of the first NHL team (1979–80 New York Islanders) to win a Stanley Cup with Europeans on its roster.

The Swedish Sparkplug and Rookie Rise

Robert Thore Nystrom was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 10, 1952, and moved to Hinton, Alberta as a four-year-old. He starred for the BCJHL's Kamloops Rockets in 1969–70 and was an emotional sparkplug on the Calgary Centennials of the WCJHL for two seasons. The New York Islanders claimed him 33rd overall in the 1972 NHL draft. After half a season with the minor league affiliate New Haven Nighthawks, he was promoted to the Islanders in March 1973, wearing number 5. His first full season was 1973–74, when he tallied 41 points as a rookie, garnering Calder Memorial Trophy consideration (the award eventually went to teammate Denis Potvin). As Potvin now used number 5, Nystrom wore number 23. Over his first five seasons, he collected over 20 goals each year, including a career-high 30 in 1977–78, and was selected to play in the 1977 NHL All-Star Game.

The Overtime Legend and Mr. Islander

Nystrom earned a legendary status within franchise history for his unparalleled ability to deliver when it mattered most, particularly in sudden-death situations. Known affectionately as 'Thor' by teammates due to his physical style, he worked diligently on his skating mechanics under instructors like Laura Stamm to complement his natural instincts. These efforts paid dividends during the playoffs, where he recorded 39 goals and 83 points across 157 games, including four career overtime winners.

His most defining moment arrived on May 24, 1980, in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers. At the 7:11 mark of overtime, Nystrom scored the game-winning goal to secure the Islanders' first championship, igniting a dynasty that would see four consecutive titles. Beyond his clutch performances, he embraced the Long Island community through charity work and local business promotion. This combination of on-ice heroics and off-ice dedication earned him the enduring nickname 'Mr. Islander,' cementing his place as a beloved figure in New York sports history.

The Tragic Injury and Emotional Farewell

By the mid-1980s, Nystrom's rugged playing style began to take a toll on his body, leading to reduced ice time during the 1984–85 season. His career faced an abrupt end in January 1986 when he was accidentally struck in the eye by a high stick from teammate Gerald Diduck during practice. The injury caused two retinal tears that nearly cost him his vision and required surgery, forcing him to step away from active play to serve as an assistant coach for the remainder of the season.

Despite this setback, head coach Al Arbour, who held Nystrom in high regard, orchestrated a unique farewell before the final home game. Arbour asked if Nystrom would dress one last time to reach the milestone of 900 career games played and allow fans a proper goodbye. Nystrom accepted, taking the opening face-off to a roaring crowd before skating briefly and returning to the bench, never to play again. This poignant moment marked the end of an era for a player who had appeared in 899 regular-season contests.

Legacy, Honors, and Family Continuity

Following his retirement from active play, Nystrom remained deeply embedded in the Islanders organization through various administrative roles, including assistant coaching, radio analysis, and multiple directorships ranging from corporate affairs to community relations. His contributions were formally recognized on April 1, 1995, when the Islanders retired his number 23 jersey, a rare honor given that three other players had worn it after him. In 2003, he was inducted into the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame; he is also a member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and received the George Young Award.

Nystrom's hockey legacy also extends to his family; his son Eric followed in his footsteps, becoming a professional player drafted by the Calgary Flames and playing for several NHL teams as well as internationally in Norway. As a resident of Syosset and Boca Raton, Nystrom continues to be celebrated not only for his historic goal but for his enduring connection to the sport and his community.