Classic Photos of Mike Bossy

Mike Bossy scored 53 goals as a rookie in 1977-78, the first of his nine straight 50-plus seasons that included four Stanley Cups. The New York Islanders legendary right wing was the 1982 Conn Smythe winner and his career average of .762 goals per game is the highest percentage in NHL history, followed by Mario Lemieux (.754), Pavel Bure (.623), Alex Ovechkin (.618), Wayne Gretzky (.601), Brett Hull (.584) and Bobby Hull (.574). In celebration of Bossy's 60th birthday on Jan. 22, 2017, here are some classic photos of the greatest pure goal scorer of all time.

SI Staff | Apr 1, 2013

Classic Photos of Mike Bossy /

Classic Photos of Mike Bossy

Mike Bossy

Although chronic back pain forced Bossy from the game at age 30, he won three Lady Byng Trophies as the NHL's most gentlemanly player, was named MVP of the 1982 playoffs and averaged the most goals per season (57.3) in league history — not bad for a finesse player who was passed over by 14 teams in the '77 draft because scouts said he couldn't check a suitcase.

Mike Bossy

After lighting up the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with four straight seasons of 70 goals or more, Bossy was drafted by the Islanders 15th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft.

Mike Bossy

Leaping straight to the Isles out of juniors, he went on to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year for 1977-78 with a 53-goal, 91-point season.

Mike Bossy

Bossy's third-straight 50-plus goal season ended with the Isles winning their first Stanley Cup.

Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin

Mainstays of the Islander dynasty. Bossy and superb two-way center Bryan Trottier were linemates who complemented each other brillantly. With winger Clark Gillies (not pictured), they were known as Trio Grande. Potvin, a three-time Norris Trophy-winner was a bruising defender and offensive force.

Mike Bossy

Mike Bossy and wife Lucie

Mike Bossy

During the 1980-81 season, Bossy became only the second NHL player (after the legendary Rocket Richard) to score 50 goals in the first 50 games of a season.

Mike Bossy

Bossy finished the 1980-81 season with 68 goals in 79 games and the Isles rolled to their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

Mike Bossy and Rob McClanahan

Mike Bossy

The sniper had a wicked one-timer and he was not a welcome sight for opposing goaltenders.

Mike Bossy and Colin Campbell

Mike Bossy and Richard Brodeur

The Islanders defeated the Canucks to win their third straight Cup. Bossy's most memorable moment was a goal he scored while airborne with his body parallel to the ice.

Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies

Mike Bossy

Bossy produced his seventh straight 50-goal season, but the Isles' streak of four Cups end that year with a loss to Edmonton in the final that also snapped their probably unbreakable record of 19 consecutive playoff series won.

John Tavares and Mike Bossy

The legendary sniper and that player many believe to be the next Islander great.

Published Apr 1, 2013

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