Isles Inbox: Butch Goring on 1980 Cup Run

As part of the 40th anniversary of the Islanders first Stanley Cup, Isles legends are taking your questions! First up is the final piece of the puzzle, Butch Goring, who joined the Islanders at the 1980 trade deadline. You have questions, Butch has answers.

Question from Joshua Grening: What was your reaction on the bench when Nystrom scored the Cup-clinching goal?

There was a huge rush of excitement and relief. We knew if there was to be a Game 7 in Philly, it would be a tough game to win.

Question from Matteo Fabrizi: Who was your favorite player to play alongside during your time with the Islanders?

Billy Carroll, he was a fun guy. I really enjoyed killing penalties with him.

Question from James Casella: At what point of that season did it settle in the locker room that the team knew for sure "ok we're going to win this thing!"

I am not sure we ever thought we were going to win, but after winning the Boston series, we knew we had jumped over a very big obstacle.

Question from Robert Broere: Was Bob Bourne the fastest player you ever played with?

Yes, we had some very good skaters on the team, but straight up the ice Bob was the fastest.

Question from Jim Henry: Who was the most welcoming player on the team when you arrived?

Billy Smith and I had been teammates in Springfield of the AHL. We won the Calder Cup in 1971 and we played briefly together in LA.

Question from Nicholas Canny: What was your reaction when you got traded from LA?

I was very angry, I was happy in LA. I enjoyed my teammates and had many good friends. I also had signed a long-term contract one year earlier, so I believed I was to be a King for my entire career.

Question from Zach Fogelman: Butch, when you got traded to the islanders was there just a different mindset and different intensity in the locker room than the Kings?

Yes, the attitude was different right from the start. Playing hard with the Kings was good enough, win or lose. Isles were expected to win, that's all that mattered.

Question from Kyle Mass: What was it like getting traded and then playing your former team a few months later in the first round of the playoffs?

I was very excited for the playoffs, but even more focused for the Kings. I wanted to show them how big a mistake they had made. It was not about the players, but management.

Question from James Burke: In the 1980 playoffs, which team was hardest to defeat? Boston, due to physical play, Buffalo, due to their finesse skills and the French Connection line, or Philadelphia, due to physical play?

Every series provided a different challenge, but winning the Final was the tough one. Flyers had a great season and were a real threat to win the Cup. Some of their players had already won the Cup, so they had experience on their side.

Question from Bryan Jestic: What was the party like after you guys won the Cup?

It was crazy and went well into the night. No one was stupid, but there were a few drinks consumed.

Question from Frankie Pizzi: Looking back on the Cup run what are some of the moments that make you smile?

Denis Potvin handing off the Cup to Clark Gillies is a moment I will never forget. The excitement, joy, relief for the former captain was a priceless reaction as he skated around the rink.

Question from Matt Syska: Who was the most underrated player you ever had the pleasure of playing with?

Stefan Persson was a really good player. He played in all factions of the game, but never looked for glamour. He was solid on defense and had great offensive skills.

Question from Ryley Guzzello: What's your favorite restaurant on Long Island?

Giulio Cesare is one of my favorites but there are a lot of good places to eat on the island.

Question from Matthew Berliant: How did the fans affect your performance?

I have said on many occasions, the fans create the atmosphere at the game. The more energy and enthusiasm they react to the game, the more likely the players will continue to try to win for themselves and the fans.