Remembering Mike Bossy, Islanders Legend & Hockey Hall Of Famer

Stephen Brunt looks back at some of the best memories and moments from Mike Bossy, after the New York Islanders’ legend passed away at the age of 65.
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[@elvisparker4691]

Lifelong Rangers Fan here. With a lump in my throat and a Heavy Heart, My Deepest Condolences To Islanders Nation. First Clark, then Jean, now the Very Best Goal Scorer Ever. Godspeed Mike Bossy. You'll never see another team like Those Islanders 1977 - 1987. Bossy was Amazing. We're Rivals guys, Not Enemies...

[@SupraBarzy13]

Isles fan here. Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the respect. Rivals not enemies indeed.

[@elvisparker4691]

Absolutely 👍...

[@jayn9559]

At least you can admit Gretzky didn't smash his record.

[@Mike-zf4xg]

It's sports you maroons.

[@erickouniakis5722]

Thank you we'll said 👍

[@paulsturman5832]

RIP Mike. Gentleman and all-time NHL superstar. Nicely done Sportsnet.

[@That90sShow]

Lmao... nicely done. A 5 minute clip that could be made by a 12 year old. 🤡🤡

[@mikekeeler6362]

And if you are the 12-year old

[@MrChopemup]

I grew up in East Northport. In the 70s. Bossy , Trotier . Potvin . All lived In my neighborhood. We used to play street hockey in front of Trotier house. Only because it was not so much traffic. Foothill road. He had a Stanley Cup party. And all us kids we were about 10. Waited outside with hockey sticks. Got autographs from most of these guys.. They invited us in and we all walked into the kitchen and there it was. The Stanley Cup. It was loud. Everyone talking. smelled of perfume and beer. It was a great time to be a 10 year old kid .

[@cryptohalloffame]

wow, great story!

[@alexx9252]

RIP Bossy, if he played over 1100 games he couldve hit around 900+ goals for sure. 573 goals in 752 games it nuts!

[@elvisparker4691]

No Doubt. Chris Kreider just hit 50 goals at age 30. Mike retired at 30. He was Awesome ...

[@alexx9252]

@@elvisparker4691 riiight? only player to get 50 goals for 10 seasons straight, if only he was healthy enough to continue

[@bufnyfan1]

@@alexx9252 he had 38 goals in an injury limited 10th season of 63 games--if he could have been healthy there is NO doubt he would have had 50+ goals in his 10th season and many more 50+ goal seasons if he could have continued to play

[@alexx9252]

@@bufnyfan1 my mistake, wish it was 10 tho, he definately wouldve if he play 82 games

[@stevenrivers8386]

@@elvisparker4691 As an Isles fan. Nothing but respect for Kreider. He is awesome.

[@ChrisDutch]

Heartbroken Islander fan here in New Jersey. Truly an amazing player and a fine person. R.I.P. Mike,you were the best. As Ron Greschner said when he was asked,”How do you deal with Bossy when he he’s playing?” “Get off the ice,go for a line change.”

[@TheMhwinner]

RIP Mike Bossy. The greatest Islander of all time 🙏

[@jacob45415]

Rip but he isn’t the greatest goal scorer of all time

[@stentorofsparta3576]

@@jacob45415 he said the greatest islander of all time.

[@jimb.7523]

@@stentorofsparta3576 I think he posted his reply under the wrong comment, since there is one that says "Rest in piece to the greatest goal scorer of all time."

[@jacob45415]

@@stentorofsparta3576 oh you’re right he didn’t I thought he did

[@mikekeeler6362]

@@jacob45415 yes he isn't the greatest goal scorer but he does hold the record the goals per game average

[@randybailin4902]

I was a Capitals season ticket holder in the late 1970s through the 1980s. I saw more of Gretzky and Bossy than I care to remember. You're watching the game and out of nowhere the puck is in the net. Everyone, the goalie included, looking around wondering what just happened. Bossy would find holes that you didn't realize were there until the light started flashing. RIP to one of the greats.

[@quiricomazarin476]

Wow you were charitable. Thanks to mtl mikes hometown that the trade made the caps.

[@erickouniakis5722]

That's exactly Randy I'm from Edmonton and i remember like it was yesterday getting beat by the islander's. All's you could hear all night in the North land's colosseum was Trottier passes to bossy and bossy scores.!!! He's one of the best of all time and he will be missed by many !! Really miss those team's from back then !!!

[@canzuk4711]

Hab fan here... I can only cry remembering how my Canadiens passed up Bossy on that faithful night, while the Islanders picked up what would become one of the greatest goal scoring machine in the NHL, R.I.P my friend you will be remembered by ALL and that is the greatest gift to Bossy.. a legend !

[@blackbiscuit]

RIP Mike Bossy. A legend of the sport that will forever be an inspiration to the hockey community.

[@Afterlife7377]

He would’ve had 1000 goals easily

[@duskopopov77]

So sad to hear of mike bossy's passing, For my money he's easily the greatest goal scorer in hockey history, Condolences to his family!

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

Lafleur will die this year from Lung Cancer also. Unfortunately the media isn't even mentioning that they were smokers.

[@wilnerolivier7971]

9 straight 50 goal seasons is a feat that not even #99 ever matched & will never be matched again because of how hard it is to score in the current league!!

[@John-tp5gc]

@@wilnerolivier7971 and if he hadn't injured his back I believe the 50 goal seasons would have kept coming, 10, 11, 12... He was a machine.

[@wilnerolivier7971]

@@John-tp5gc Especially in the late '80s & early '90s when goal scoring was still at an all time high!! Bernie Nicholls somehow managed to score 70 goals in a season during that time which was aided by playing with #99. Goal scoring dramatically went down after 93-94 season thanks to the trap that was employed by NJD.

[@mikekeeler6362]

@@wilnerolivier7971 very true but 99 didn't play with everybody

[@AWCTB]

Rest In Peace legend.

[@jeremybeckett7887]

As someone who was lucky enough to be alive and a hockey fan during the time of his career I feel blessed to have been able to be witness to his greatness on and off the ice. An absolute scoring legend that will be forever missed.

[@andrewnielsen3016]

Tears today on Good Friday. My favorite player on my favorite team. Mike Bossy's 9 straight 50 goal seasons and average goals per game o f.762 debunks all the what ifs, injuries, hockey era's etc. etc.. Even Wayne Gretzky got injured in season 8 and his consecutive 50 goal season run ended. Mike Bossy is in another realm of scoring and was driven each and every season to get 50 goals. He strived for that with no excuses and the results show. 40 years later and now even with rule changes opening up the game in the last decade the best that we are seeing is maybe 3 consecutive 50 goal seasons and just a few in the .60 avg goals per game range. As well the Islanders that Mike played on had so much character, grit, toughness and high skill. They could play any style of game and beat you. They are the last NHL team to win 3 cups in a row. In their drive for 3 cups they were down 3-1 to the Penguins in Game 5. They scored 2 goals in the final 5 minutes and won in OT. They went on to win the cup that year. This team would just never give up. Can still see Potvin his devastating hip check, great wrist shot and cannon from the point on the power play, Tonelli and the Sutter brothers grinding the puck out of the corner, Billy Carrol, on the penalty kill, Bobby Bourne going end to end, Trottier dominating at center as he played effortlessly and Gillies and Nystrom pounding other teams. They just didn't beat the Oilers the next year - they swept them and shut down Gretzky after a 200 point season . The next year with the tank empty and all banged up they somehow made it to the finals again. The Game 5 in the opening round vs the Rangers still goes as maybe one of the most exciting and dramatic games in NHL history. They just kept fighting through adversity and never gave up enroute to a record that will never ever be broken........ 19 straight playoff series wins......... A true testament to Mike Bossy's and the Islanders going to a higher realm and transcending sports........All the rest and even the Oilers only ever winning 2 consecutive cups know this and can only wonder what nearly 5 cups in a row would feel like.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@Jim Dandy Had Gretzky not been traded the Oilers would have won around 8 Stanley Cups.

[@andrewnielsen3016]

@@jeffreykaufmann2867 that's another what if - what if the Oilers played in the much tougher Wales Conference - they had one team to beat to get to the finals one team - Calgary from that awful league realignment in 81-82 - that's it.... boy it was an easy road .... and it extended the Oilers playing life and careers - no what if - it's just fact.... no matter what the record will stand 19 straight playoff series won....

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@andrewnielsen3016 But they didn't have to play in the Wales conference. Gretzky himself said the Oilers would have won 7-9 Stanley Cups had he not been traded and that's without Coffey. The top 4 Playoff Scorers Are Gretzky, Messier, Kurri, and Anderson. And Coffey is in 6th place with 196 Points. Those 5 guys In their Prime on the same team are the greatest skilled team ever. Had Gretzky not been Traded he'd have 500+ playoff points and the other 3 Guys would have over 300+ Points. Imagine those 5 guys playing together for 15+ Years. Their Stats would have been Astronomical.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@andrewnielsen3016 The Oilers won 5 Cups. Not 4.

[@andrewnielsen3016]

All that happened .. what if… 19 straight playoff series stands as the most unbreakable record and it’s the record that differentiates the islanders from the oilers… in 86 the oilers lost every home game to the flames in their second round exit….the oilers had to retool and learn again better defensive play to keep winning cups.. the islanders kept winning.. it’s a big difference

[@bern2136]

Very sad, Mike was a classy person and one of the greatest hockey players of all time. RIP Mike.

[@azaz911c]

What a wonderful player. Bossy was a 3 time winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which tells one about both playing ability and conduct.

[@samssportsshop]

Rest in piece to the greatest goal scorer of all time

[@stentorofsparta3576]

Ovi’s alive.

[@abagoftoast]

@@stentorofsparta3576 absolute wrong place to make this argument. Have some respect

[@samssportsshop]

@@abagoftoast fax

[@samssportsshop]

@@stentorofsparta3576 you jerk the man is no longer with us and you make that argument here?

[@danielkrall6501]

@@samssportsshop Mike Bossy = #1 all time in goals per game at .762. Ovi = #7 all time at .612. It's not even close. Unless Ovechkin plans on scoring 95 goals per year for the next few years, it's not even close.

[@marshmellofanboy9554]

RIP. First Gillies, now Bossy. 😭

[@s.thomas3289]

9 consecutive seasons with 50+ goals, that says it all. Mike had the intelligence to pursue a carrer in the french Canadians media (radio, tv, …) and was much appreciated and respected. Very classy person.

[@trevorlambert4226]

Why does that require intelligence?

[@klimovec]

Rest in peace, legend. We’ll never forget.

[@Afterlife7377]

Should’ve went to Hartford

[@lloydmorris9962]

The greatest natural goal scorer of all time

[@timetowakeup6302]

Pavel Bure for me

[@briguyhenny6923]

Only a select handful can claim to be the best goal scorer of all time, and Bossy is undoubtedly one of those. RIP to an absolute legend

[@JC-se8mi]

I was an big time Oilers fan growing up in Scarborough, ON during the 80’s. I’ll never forget meeting Mike Bossy at a Kmart while he was signing autographs promoting Titan hockey sticks. He was such a nice man. I had a soft spot for the Islanders after that day. RIP

[@Andyanddiana467]

Ranger fan here - hated when the Islanders would beat my team in the '80s, but much respect for the legend. RIP.

[@hymansahak181]

Greatest goal scorer of all time. His goals per games played ratio is the best. The guy was a scoring machine. What he accomplished in a span of only 10 seasons puts him in elite status as one of the 10 best players that ever lived and nobody can argue otherwise.

[@MrUndersolo]

Lifelong Canadiens fan here, and I was a hater of the Isles in the 80s, but I always acknowledged the genius that was Bossy (all those 50-goal seasons)... You will be missed, sir.

[@kenarthur6253]

OMG. So sad. His Islanders Teams were amazingly dominant. Rest In Peace, Legend

[@michaelligue3842]

I still tell everyone that loves hockey that Mike Bossy was one of the greatest goal scorers in the game . I am a life long Blackhawk fan , but I admired Bossy so much and wished we would have gotten him . May he rest in peace , his greatness will live on in the hearts of true hockey fans .

[@lew4kids779]

Great video. Bossy Trottier and Gilles was the best line ever. You knew they were going to score when they came out on the ice. The snapshot of Bossy was like no other. He truly was gifted and we will never forget how amazing he was! A great hockey player and a great man!! The 4 cups and #22 will be in my heart forever!!

[@hypn0298]

Sad they both passed in a 3 month span while still in their mid 60s.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@hypn0298 Guy Lafleur is next on the death list.

[@wilnerolivier7971]

@@hypn0298 Don't forget Jean Potvin who was the older brother of Denis & was on a couple of the Cup teams in the early '80s!! It's been a rough few months for the remaining living players on those dynasty teams knowing that when they reunite for celebrations & functions that Gilles, Bossy & Jean Potvin will no longer be there.

[@mikekeeler6362]

23 goals in one game as a kid

[@khadennowack9303]

Rest In Peace Mike Bossy🕊 You were a legend of Hockey and you will never be forgotten❤️ (1957-2022)

[@Miadolph]

So sad. One of my childhood idols. His legend will never die

[@jayn9559]

Rest Easy Mike Bossy, I ve grew up at the old barn, was hard not to hear about you. Your my father's favorite hockey player. My Dad finally met you with a 22 jersey that Mr. BOSSY himself signed. Dynasty, from ny family to yours , thankyou

[@craigmckenzie5466]

Rest in peace, Mike Bossy. Perhaps the greatest pure goal scorer ever.

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

No...he was on a dynasty in a crap era

[@AEMoreira81]

@@hugh2hoobdeux984 -- Bossy was one of the reasons for that dynasty.

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

@@AEMoreira81 but he was on the best team in a crap era he and Dionne both

[@douglemay7989]

@@hugh2hoobdeux984 Buzz off. One of the greatest ever.

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

@@douglemay7989 In a crap era*

[@TheBoxfitter]

It was an honor to have watched him play. His second effort goal in the playoff's against Vancouver where he was in the air (and not in contact with the ice) was just a thing of beauty. He will be missed greatly. On a side note: He was responsible for me receiving free chili at L.I. Wendy's (LOL).

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

Probably the purest goal scorer ever. And a true gentleman. RIP

[@ziggymorris8760]

Long Island born and raised and consequently in 1972, this team and guys like Bossy were gods to kids back then. R.I.P. Boss

[@joeysoprano1335]

I'm a die-hard Flyers fan but loved watching the Islanders win year after year, greatest pure goal scorer ever IMO!! Can shoot a puck through a Cheerio from the hash mark if asked to!! Rest easy Boss!!

[@mindlessdroid3630]

Was a big Flyer fan back then but really respected that Islander team they were a great team. Miss those days. RIP to one of the all time greats.

[@peterlee4682]

I always liked Mike Bossy even though I was a Flames fan. His skill, class and perseverance kept me as a fan from his early days to present. Sad to hear of his passing but thankful for what he gave us all! Blessings!

[@daleweiss9507]

My thoughts exactly, I miss those days.

[@erickouniakis5722]

I totally agree pete !! It was such a pleasure to watch Mike Bossy. His skills and scoring ability was unbelievable.!! Calgary had a great team back then. Lanny McDonald was my favorite.

[@ScottDaddyMac]

Living in Los Angeles in the 80s, we didn't get to see too many games on TV. I was a hockey fan since 1975 and I loved my Kings. For some reason, I think it was ESPN, they showed the Stanley Cup playoffs and I remember watching the Islanders and being so impressed with that team, especially Bossy. It made me love the sport even more than I already did. I was very sad to hear that Mike Bossy passed away. He was class act.

[@meatmeat5344]

Rip to the greatest goal scorer of all time. 😪

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

Not even close Played in a garbage era

[@meatmeat5344]

@@hugh2hoobdeux984 then how come nobody else has his numbers? There's a laundry list of people that know much more about the game than you and I do that have the complete opposite view. So sit down.

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

@@meatmeat5344 The late 70s were garbage pal

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

@@meatmeat5344 he was on the best team in a garbage league that's why genius

[@hugh2hoobdeux984]

@@meatmeat5344 Datysuk had nowhere near his totals you gonna say Bossy was better!? HELL NO

[@genestippell1833]

Bossy was the greatest sharpshooter of all time. It's sunk in one night when I was watching a replay years when he scored four goals against the Boston bruins before the third period. I said to myself, this guy's got four goals and the pucks been on his stick of about 10 seconds the whole game, and that includes carrying the puck. He didn't spend a lot of time trying to stick handle around you, or stick handle thru you or bring the puck up the ice. He had an unreal sense of where the puck was going to be and in an instance it was in the net. I once heard a guy speak of Larry Bird the basketball player and he said Bird played in the future. That was mike bossy. He had the ability to see things that didn't happen yet.

[@ronsparks2391]

BlackHawks lifer here,..and as a kid my second fav team was the Isles. watched them and followed them as much as my Hawks. Comparing the analysis you used for Bird to Bossy is pretty spot on. Bossy had that 'special knack' for finding the net, combined with a cannon shot and quickest wrists out there. Mike Bossy was gold...period.

[@jamesvickery2486]

That is one of the greatest records ever! 9, 50 goal seasons so awesome... yes in a row!!!

[@elvisparker4691]

In a Row !!

[@sammyweed4771]

My favorite growing up. Pure greatness. He scored at will had a great accurate shot. Part of the short club of 50 in 50…. He has the Greatest Record of all time in all sports of 9 straight years 50 goals a season including his Rookie season . That’s just unbelievable when you think about for a min… top 3 best goal scorer of alltime… thanks for the Memories # 22 will be dearly missed. Sad day for Hockey !! RIP. Mr MIKE BOSSY

[@williambelanger1890]

Rest in peace Goal scoring machine🙏🏻

[@sash7551]

RIP Mr. Bossy !!! With time we will realize how underrated he was !!! Amazing man !!!

[@johnlevalley521]

Michael Dean Bossy the G.O.A.T. of NHL goal scorers. RIP #22 you will be missed everyday.

[@independentmind7782]

Definitely one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

[@tomtalley2192]

As a Bruins fan, still mad at Sinden for drafting Andre Savard with the pick before Bossy.my biggest memory of Mike was at an all star game. Back in the day they had a shoot out where a player would get 5 breakaways on a goalie. The forward would get a point for each goal, and the goalie a point for each save. Bossy went against Tony Esposito, arguably the best in the league at the time. Well Bossy scored on him all five times. And each goal was in a different spot. Picked both side top corners, both side bottom corners, and one 5 hole. No dekes, just shots. One of my most memorable moments in 50 years of watching hockey. RIP Mr. Bossy!

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

Not true: Savard was the B's top pick in 1973 ( they could have had Bob Gainey.)

[@TheWctman]

And Bossy did it with lumber. Imagine a carbon fiber weapon in his hands...

[@showdown2006]

God bless you Mike Bossy. I wish I was old enough to watch you play.

[@TheKaffin8ed]

My first NHL jersey as a kid was an NYI. I still remember my childhood room where I wore the jersey. I recall watching the game or news of the 50 in 50 but only realized how great a feat that was until I was older. RIP.

[@elderguy]

A true goal scorer! What a player! Although not an Islander's fan I loved to watch Mike Bossy do his thing! His early passing is so unfair.🙏

[@alvinjohnston4565]

Life long Canuck fan , but without a doubt Thee best pure goal scorer I've ever seen. He killed us in 82 but I have nothing but admiration for him . Rest in peace Boss

[@AMan_629]

Gillies and bossy were taken too soon. I was born in 02 but I’ve met the 2 guys a few times in the colli and they were really nice and always made time to talk. Always had time for a picture, a question or an autograph. Not only were 2 all time great players taken from us this year, but 2 amazing men.

[@williamcolwell1647]

Purest goal scorer ever period!

[@John-tp5gc]

Bossy last week and Lafleur today. So sad. Great legends of the game.

[@birdsfan57]

This is the first I'm hearing of this terribly tragic news. I can remember so many great matchups between the Rangers and "our" Flyers during those glory days of the 80's, and Mike Bossy was certainly responsible for some of those memorable hockey moments. I'm so very sad to hear of his passing.

[@mikekeeler6362]

Doesn't get the respect he deserves rest in peace Mike

[@krugmeister7301]

I Remember the Days WATCHING Mike Bossy Play...It was A Magical Time to See Mike Play...I Miss the 80's...But Mike Bossy will Be Missed Dearly..And A Class Hockey player and Gentleman among the Hockey GREATS..😪😪😪👏🏻👏🏻🏆🏆🏆🏆🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nunnayahbiznezz8071]

"The Drive for Five is Still Alive"... anyone who was a genuine fan of the Isles back in the early 80's should likely always remember that phrase... and the extreme importance that Bossy had to that dynasty. As far as the NHL goes, Mike Bossy was my favorite player ever, on my favorite team ever. Just as important as his goal-scoring prowess was... was his being a gentleman both on, and off, the ice. It might not be the case for other Islander fans of that era, but for me? Bossy was the true heart of the team. *Sigh* Fleeting time...

[@--pussypatroll--]

I was 7 years old in 1977. I can't even begin to tell you what it's like to have memories from that era.

[@johnniemeyer2358]

RIP Mike. An absolute pleasure watching you play. An all-time great !!!

[@DiabloOutdoors]

I was a hardcore Montreal Canadians fan at that time, but always liked and respected Bossy because he's just an amazing hockey player. RIP Mike, we'll never forget you here in Quebec.

[@ryantourney2879]

I met him when I was a teenager, he was a real gentleman., personable and humble. My favorite NHLer growing up.

[@richardgrenci8254]

Definitely my favorite player, and the reason I became a hockey fan and Islanders fan

[@daleburrer1546]

RIP Mike Bossy. I got his autograph at a collectible card show years ago. A great gentleman to be missed.

[@AnakinSANE]

His death year and hockey number are forever aligned!! RIP Mike Bossy.

[@Mxbuzz]

RIP Mike Bossy .Gentleman and all-time NHL superstar legend . A fine person we'll never forget.

[@22lawnguy]

The boss signed my jersey for fathers day last year. Rest in peace Goat

[@musicoldies83]

RIP Mike Bossy - one of the most prolific NHL goal scorers of all time. Thanks for the memories, Mike. You are a true hockey legend! Of course, this comes on top of us Islander fans losing Clark Gillies just 3 months before, and then Jean Potvin just last month - two other key players in their drive to 4 straight Stanley Cups during the early 1980s. Lastly, we bow our heads to another one of the greatest hockey legends of all time who just passed away today - Guy Lafleur of the Montreal Canadiens & later on the New York Rangers. You will all be greatly missed! 😓😓

[@mrv6968]

This is one hockey player I have never ever heard or read a bad word about. The good sure do die young and Mr. Bossy you have left us way too soon! Condolences to his family and friends, his legacy will always live on!!!

[@stevenrivers8386]

True. Guy was a class act.

[@andrewnielsen3016]

Mike Bossy, class, integrity, professionalism, a true gentlemen and such a great loss. Thank you Mike for blessing hockey fans with your high skill and drive to be the best you could be on and off the ice. You are forever a huge part of hockey history and my years being a huge fan of yours and your great team. Rest in peace Mike Bossy.

[@sash7551]

I remember watching him win those 4 Stanley cup victories !!! Priceless

[@michaelrozzi8166]

I'm from western pa. I was spoiled with Lemieux, but when I was pre teen playing floor hockey at our local gym Mr.Mike Bossy was my favorite player and always will be R.I.P

[@robgrune3284]

Truly a great player and person. A true hero and inspiration to next generations. Without him, doubtful the Islanders would have won 4 straight Stanley Cups: he was pivotal. So sad he left us so soon.

[@frogger1952]

How many athletes, in any sport, possess a combination of elite level skill, heart, and mind? I sat in section 327 during the Cup years and I remember so clearly Mike racing down the right wing to open ice and the goalie's body language screaming out "Oh crap, not THIS guy again". It was a shock when the puck DIDN'T go in the net. Thank you SportsNet for a touching tribute to the greatest Islander of all time. RIP Mike Bossy.

[@mickser101]

RIP Mike. What a Legend. 19 Consecutive Playoff series wins by the Islanders will never ever be broken

[@22lawnguy]

Great goal scorer ever my favourite player ever. Be be got the credit he deserved

[@Blackhawks_]

Goodbye Mike Bossy. Rest in Peace Absolute Legend you will be truly Missed

[@halon7476]

RIP Islanders great one 🇨🇦😔

[@aseyete]

As a Canadian and watching hockey for over 55 years - IMHO Mike Bossy is definitely among the top 3 all-time talented and pure goal-scorer (Brett Hull & Alex Ovechkin are also worthy candidates). RIP Mike -you were fantastic!

[@allenrappaport2595]

Heart broken. I loved all these guys since '72. When I think of goodness I think of them. And Mike.

[@robunique8069]

Will never 4get you brother my child hood hero! From road hockey to lacing up the skates #22 1❤🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@valencehockey1668]

Hockey legend..Rest In Peace...May the hockey gods in heaven bless you.

[@good2goskee]

WOW! I remember this man putting a dagger in my Canucks many times in the 80s 1982 :( One of the greatest all-time snipers

[@robertpsotka3525]

Loved the powerhouse Islander team of the early 80's. RIP Mike

[@jamaldee2355]

I didn’t even know!!!! Rest In Peace mike 😢😢

[@terryslota2224]

RIP Mike, memories of you skating circles around my Blackhawks at the old Chicago Stadium...RIP you played the game the right way...

[@nicknysom6494]

we were truly blessed to have him

[@devilsadvocacy]

He put together nine straight 50 goal seasons. He was an integral part of a team that won 19 straight playoff series. I don’t think anyone reading this will live long enough to see anyone make a serious run at either of those records

[@Jimmyfly215]

RIP to an absolute legend. was not alive to watch his teams play but the highlights are unforgettable.

[@bobmaxjeff]

Was lucky enough to watch him back in the eighties. Will miss you, Mike. Rest in peace.

[@traviscarr4698]

Best pure goal scorer of any generation

[@sjddjs]

The greatest pure scorer the game has ever seen.

[@markoconnell4518]

So glad you did this piece…thank you. Should have mentioned in voice over that he still holds the all time goals-per-game record, and is third all-time in points-per-game!

[@citizenghosttown]

Such a special player and deadly goal scorer. He is still the NHL's all-time leader in goals per game. RIP.

[@stuartdavis798]

Thanks for the memories Mike. You brought joy to the island every winter and spring. RIP

[@terrykhol4768]

I feel so sad that the greatest RW of all time has left us, RIP Mr. Bossy, the greatest legend of Islanders

[@RichStrickler]

As a lifelong Flyers fan, I had nothing but admiration for those Islanders teams, and Bossy in particular. He was the definition of a "sniper". No question the best pure goal scorer I ever saw. He had a knack for getting open, and Trottier or Potvin would feed him, and it was in the back of the net. Quick release and deadly accurate. Plus he was a class act, a true gentleman, who played a clean game at a time when rough-housing and intimidation was at its peak. RIP Mike Bossy.

[@stevenrivers8386]

Im fairly new to hockey. Love it. But why do people say he is the best pur goal scorer over say gretzky? I am not saying he is not. But some many say he was the best on goal scoring. Why is he the better one in that department? Literally asking educationally lol. But I love this guys story and watching the footage of him snipe them in.

[@RichStrickler]

@@stevenrivers8386 Bossy had a quick release and was deadly accurate. He could score from anywhere from the blue line in. When you watch the gighlight reel of him, pay attention to how the puck would no sooner hit his stick and boom...it was in the net. Gretzky was a more instintgul player, tremendous passer, effortless skater. He was always in the right position to score goals, rebounds, breakaways, two on one's etc. Bossy only needed a small opening and he would score. A truly special player. Look as Bossy's statistics, as far as goals per game played, both regular season and playoffs.

[@russellbecker8763]

He was truly a great player and a man . He will be missed by me a lot of people but never forgotten by me and thousands of people. Russ Becker Bethlehem PA. 💔

[@2riverageo]

As a BRUINS fan growing up I'm New Jersey,, l HATED.....I mean REALLY HATED those ISLANDERS Teams and Dynasty.....19 Consecutive Series Wins, SIMPLY AMAZING.......BUT, I thoroughly RESPECTED them as an Organization, and #22 got my Utmost Respect.....you Were, Are, will ALWAYS be a LEGEND......RIP MIKE BOSSY #22 🏒