Adding to the number of sentimental journeys were the departures of defenseman Dave Langevin to Minnesota on waivers and the outright release of rugged Gord Lane.
Meanwhile, to prod his club, Arbour tried every trick not to mention an occasional insult such as suggesting that his players "should be fitted with ballet tights so they can tiptoe around here." It didn't resonate with the team and, as a result, at a meeting the following day, Radar cleared the air and all was forgiven and forgotten.
Al also would have liked to forget the last act of his glorious tenure even though he managed to steer his club into another playoff berth.
Once again the Washington Capitals would challenge the Nassaumen in the opening best-of-five opening round. And once again the Caps jumped into a two-win lead.
But this time around, Radar's miracle machine jammed. When his club lost Game Three -- and the series -- in Uniondale it was a stunning blow to the coach, his players and the fans alike.
After all, this was the first time in franchise history that the club was swept in a playoff series. The handwriting was on the wall and the message was unmistakeable to the peerless leader. He knew what to do.
After 13 seasons with the Islanders, Al called it a career. He told Bow Tie Bill of his intentions and his boss responded by knighting Radar with the title, Vice President of Player Development.
Radar called his new position "a cushy job" and then went about the business of helping Torrey find a replacement for the man who developed the Islanders into a dynasty.
Both understood that the challenge of finding a reasonable facsimile of Arbour would be roughly as difficult as swimming the Atlantic Ocean from Jones Beach to Southhampton, England.
LISTS: FOUR REASONS WHY IT WAS TIME FOR ARBOUR TO RETIRE
1. NO MORE CHALLENGES:Having led the team to four straight Stanley Cups and 19 consecutive playoff series victories, Al had no more NHL mountains to conquer.
2. FATIGUE:Even after sweeping the Edmonton Oilers in four straight for a fourth Cup in 1983, Arbour was exhausted. He thought retiring then and there.
The pressure never abated thereafter.
3. STALE MESSAGES:After coaching, Hall of Famers -- not to mention ordinary players -- for ten years or more, Al really had run out of rah-rah remarks. Even his gratuitous kick-in-the-pants "ballet tights" line fell flat.
4. FAMILY:The time had come for Radar to spend more relaxing time with his adoring wife, Claire, and their children.