Gillies

As part of the 40th anniversary of the Islanders first Stanley Cup, Isles legends are taking your questions! Clark Gillies, one of the premier power forwards in NHL history, answers questions about Game 6, Terry O'Reilly and more.
Past 40th Anniversary Inboxes: Butch Goring
Question from Carter Bentivenga: What do you remember the most about Game 6 at the Coliseum?
I think sitting in the locker room between the second and third period with a 4-2 lead saying just play a good third period and we have the Cup. As you know that didn't happen.

Question from Dori Gronich: What was the experience of touching the Stanley Cup like?
Getting my hands on the Cup was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced in my hockey life, as you could see by the celebration.
Question from Matt Becker: How did it feel when you lifted the Cup in front of a loud Coliseum crowd in 1980?
I got the Cup and ran around the ice with it and did not want to give it up. The Barn was rocking.
Question from Dori Gronich: Who was your biggest inspiration?
I had a lot of good people around me when I was growing up. My Dad taught me how to be respectful, honest, and to work hard. I also had some great coaches during my minor hockey days, but I think Al Arbour was the most important man in my hockey life, he was like a second father to me.
Question from Joshua Grening: What was the mindset of you and your teammates going into overtime against Philadelphia during Game 6?
I think all of were saying we don't want to go back to Philly for Game 7 so let's go out and try and win this thing from the get go, play hard and see what happens.

Question from Todd Bamberger: Who was your toughest player opponent in those playoffs? My son enjoyed watching Game 2 vs. the Bruins and Terry O'Reilly.
There is no question I had all I could handle with Terry O'Reilly, he played very hard for the Bruins and I have the utmost respect for the way he fought for his team.
Question from Nate Burneyko: Who was the toughest player you ever fought?
There were a few, Willie Plett comes to mind, O'Reilly of course, but there was a guy in Pittsburgh by the name of Bob Paradise that gave me all I could handle in the 1975 playoffs.
Question from Nick Russo: How Did It Feel To Win 4 Straight Stanley Cups as an Islander?
The four Cup run was the most amazing thing, to be recognized as one of the greatest teams ever - arguably the greatest - is something I will always treasure and talk about.
Question from Karly McKenna: Is there any meaning behind your jersey number 9? Or was it given to you?
I was a big Bobby Hull fan when I was growing up so whenever nine was available that was my number. I wore it in junior hockey and when I came to the Islanders Brian Spencer, who was wearing it, got traded so I was lucky enough to be able to wear it as an Islander.
Question from Ross Belkin: Who is the player who you hung out with the most?
I spent most of my time with Bob Bourne we were good friends through baseball and junior hockey and both being from Saskatchewan. It was a natural fit.
Question from Matt Koppelman: Which aspect of Al Arbour did you respect the most?
Al treated us like men, also Al being a former player himself knew when it was time to push us and when it was time for us to let loose a little bit. He knew each and every one of us inside and out.
Question from James Burke: In the 1980 playoffs, which opponent was more intimidating to play against: Boston in the second round or Philadelphia in the Final?
I think going into the Boston series we were going to be tested physically and we were, so when we got to Philly in the final they now knew what we were capable of physically, so it wasn't too bad.

Cup Pic

Question from Victoria Konarska: What was your favorite playoff moment?
My favorite playoff moment without question was when Bobby Nystrom scored at 7:11 of overtime to win the cup for the first time, it is a moment I will always cherish.
Question from Kim Moisa: What was going through your mind when you won against Terry O'Reilly?
Having to compete and battle against Terry O'Reilly was difficult, but it made me a tougher player, I wouldn't say I won against Terry but I did gain something from the whole experience.
Question from Nicholas Canny: If you had to pick, who was your favorite teammate?
Not to hurt anyone's feeling but Bobby Ny was a great teammate, he was my roommate, a great leader and would do anything for you to help if you were down.
Question from Brian Greenberg: Of the 19 series you won in a row, which was the toughest opponent?
It is very hard to pick one out of the 19, but I would say the first Cup final against the Flyers may be the one. It was gut wrenching, no appetite, no good sleep, it was physical and not having been to a final before was all new to us. It really made having things easier knowing what to expect.
Question from Mark Artes: What is your favorite cereal?
Honey Nut Cheerios