Welcome back, hockey fans, as we continue our thrilling series on the best New York Islanders by jersey number. In part one, we highlighted some of the all-time greats in Islanders history, particularly from their legendary dynasty era in the early 1980s when they captured four consecutive Stanley Cups.
Moving onto jersey numbers 11-20, let’s start with an honorable mention for Randy Wood, a left winger who made his mark on the team with 381 games played and 172 points scored.
Now, let’s dive into the controversial figure of Josh Bailey, who has divided fans with his performances on the ice. Despite some criticism for not meeting the high expectations of being a ninth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Bailey managed to remain a fixture on the Islanders roster for an impressive 15-year tenure. Recently celebrating his 1,000th NHL game on October 28, 2022, Bailey joined an elite group of players who achieved this milestone with the Islanders. His 580 career points, including 184 goals and 396 assists, solidify his place in Islanders history.
Turning our attention to Duane Sutter, a standout right winger who notched 292 points in 547 games with the Islanders. The former 16th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Duane Sutter quickly became a fan favorite and proved his talent by winning the prestigious Calder Memorial Trophy for best rookie in the NHL. With 442 points in 500 games played, Sutter has seamlessly taken over as a leader on the team since the departure of John Tavares, and his future with the Islanders looks bright.
Next up, we have Claude Lapointe, a left winger who contributed 171 points in 535 games over seven seasons with the Islanders. Lapointe, a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the team, may not always be front and center in discussions about the dynasty era, but his impact on the team cannot be overlooked. With a solid track record of playoff performances and a strong presence on the ice, Lapointe’s contributions have earned him a place in Islanders history books. His 542 career points in 814 games reflect his enduring impact on the franchise.
As we continue our journey through the best New York Islanders by jersey number series, we are reminded of the rich history and talented players who have left their mark on Long Island. Stay tuned for the next installment as we explore more iconic figures in Islanders lore.