billy SMITH

Smith is selected by the Islanders in the 1972 Expansion Draft. Deemed expendable after five games with the LA Kings, Smith plays 674 games with the Islanders, winning four Stanley Cups and over 300 games with the club. He is the crown jewel of the Isles expansion picks.

Billy Smith is the first goalie credited with a goal. Colorado’s Rob Ramage sends the puck into the back of his own net on a delayed penalty call, but since Smith was the last Islander to touch the puck, he is credited with the goal.

Billy Smith records a 35-save shutout as the Islanders defeat the Edmonton Oilers 2-0 in Game One of the 1983 Stanley Cup final. The Islanders eventually win the series 4-0 and Smith wins the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Billy Smith wins his 88th playoff game, stopping 39-of-40 shots in a 2-1 win over Washington. The clutch goalie was 88-36 in 132 postseason games. At the time, Smith’s 88 playoff wins were the most in NHL history.

Billy Smith wins his 300th game with the Islanders, stopping 23-of-25 shots in a 6-2 win over the LA Kings. Smith is the Islanders all-time wins leader with 304 victories, nearly double second place on the list. Smith also leads Isles goalies with 674 games played.

Billy Smith takes the final penalty of his career with a slashing minor. “Battlin’ Billy” earned his nickname over his NHL career, racking up 470 penalty minutes with the Islanders. Smith’s 470 PIMs are the most for any goalie with a single team.