Butch Goring

Lore & Background

Goring was traded to the New York Islanders on March 10, 1980, and was widely regarded as being the 'final piece of the puzzle.' After he joined, the Islanders went unbeaten for the rest of the season and finished second in the Patrick Division. The acquisition made splitting up the Trio Grande line more workable, as Clark Gillies went with him, while Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier were joined on the second line by Bob Bourne, and the Islanders' attack became more balanced. Goring then scored 19 points in 21 playoff games to help the Islanders to the first of four consecutive Stanley Cups.

The next season, he improved upon his previous playoff run, recording 10 goals and 10 assists in 20 playoff games, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff most valuable player, as the Islanders won their second Cup. Goring played 78 games that season and did not receive a single penalty, but did not win the Lady Byng Trophy that year.

Reader's Guide

Goring's Conn Smythe Trophy win capped a season in which he was a key contributor to the Islanders' second straight Stanley Cup championship. His playoff performance—10 goals and 10 assists in 20 games—demonstrated his value as a two-way forward and penalty-killer. The trophy recognized his role in solidifying the Islanders' dynasty, which would go on to win four consecutive Cups. Goring's career totals include 375 goals and 513 assists for 888 points in 1,107 games, with only 102 penalty minutes—the lowest total in NHL history for a player appearing in more than 1,000 games. He finished in the top 10 for short-handed goals nine seasons and amassed 40 career short-handed goals, the fifth most of all time. His number 91 was retired by the Islanders on February 29, 2020.

Did You Know?

• Goring won both the Bill Masterton Trophy and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1977–78, becoming the first player to win both trophies the same year.
• He scored the overtime game-winning goal in games 2 and 6 of the 1976 Stanley Cup playoff quarterfinals against the Boston Bruins.
• Goring is quite likely the originator of the NHL's tradition of growing a playoff beard, according to former teammate Mike Bossy.
• He wore a Spaps brand helmet endorsed by Sven Tumba throughout his entire professional career.