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===New York Islanders, 1973-1986=== |
===New York Islanders, 1973-1986=== |
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In his first season as Isles coach, Arbour taught his young squad how to play defence |
In his first season as Isles coach, Arbour taught his young squad how to play defence. While they finished dead last in the league for the second year in a row, they gave up 100 fewer goals than they did in their inaugural season and nearly doubled their point total (from 30 points to 56). [[New York Rangers]] defenceman [[Brad Park]] said after the Islanders beat their crosstown rivals for the first time, "They have a system. They look like a hockey team." Arbour's coaching laid the groundwork for future success. |
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The 1974-75 Islanders, on the back of talent additions and Arbour's coaching, broke through and qualified for the playoffs. The Isles, now in only their third season, defeated the heavily-favored Rangers in overtime of the deciding third game of their first round series. |
The 1974-75 Islanders, on the back of talent additions and Arbour's coaching, broke through and qualified for the playoffs, notching two more points than they had in their first two seasons combined. The Isles, now in only their third season, defeated the heavily-favored Rangers in overtime of the deciding third game of their first round series. |
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In the next round the team found themselves down three games to none in a best of seven quarterfinal series against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]. Prior to game four, Arbour challenged his team, telling them bluntly that anyone who didn't believe that the Islanders could come back and win the series should pack their gear and never return. The Islanders rebounded with three straight victories to tie the series, then prevailed in Game 7 by a score of 1-0. It was only the second time in major sports history, and the first since 1942, that a team won a series after trailing 3-0. Since that remarkable comeback, only the 2004 [[Boston Red Sox]] of [[Major League baseball]] has matched the feat. Even more remarkable to some, the Isles then faced the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] in the next round, again fell behind 3-0, and once again tied the series at 3. Although the Flyers prevailed in Game 7 and went on to win the second of 2 straight Stanley Cups, Al Arbour's "Never Say Die" Islanders were born. |
In the next round the team found themselves down three games to none in a best of seven quarterfinal series against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]. Prior to game four, Arbour challenged his team, telling them bluntly that anyone who didn't believe that the Islanders could come back and win the series should pack their gear and never return. The Islanders rebounded with three straight victories to tie the series, then prevailed in Game 7 by a score of 1-0. It was only the second time in major sports history, and the first since 1942, that a team won a series after trailing 3-0. Since that remarkable comeback, only the 2004 [[Boston Red Sox]] of [[Major League baseball]] has matched the feat. Even more remarkable to some, the Isles then faced the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] in the next round, again fell behind 3-0, and once again tied the series at 3. Although the Flyers prevailed in Game 7 and went on to win the second of 2 straight Stanley Cups, Al Arbour's "Never Say Die" Islanders were born. |
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The Islanders quickly rose to the rank of contenders, then favorites, over the next four years, but weren't able to break through and become champions. The Islanders achieved great success in the regular season, culminating in the 1978-79 campaign, which they finished with the best record in the NHL. Still, the team suffered a series of playoff disappointments, losing in 1976 and 1977 to the eventual champion [[Montreal Canadiens]], and then an upset to the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] in 1978. Most notably, in 1979 the rival Rangers, considered by journalists and commentators to be an inferior team, defeated Arbour's Islanders in a six game semifinal series. Arbour won the [[Jack Adams Award]] for the team's stellar regular season, but he determined that he had the wrong set of priorities in place. After the loss, he no longer placed much emphasis on the regular season finish and instead devoted his team's energy and focus to how they will perform in the playoffs. |
The Islanders quickly rose to the rank of contenders, then favorites, over the next four years, but weren't able to break through and become champions. The Islanders achieved great success in the regular season, culminating in the 1978-79 campaign, which they finished with the best record in the NHL. Still, the team suffered a series of playoff disappointments, losing in 1976 and 1977 to the eventual champion [[Montreal Canadiens]], and then an upset to the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] in 1978. Most notably, in 1979 the rival Rangers, considered by journalists and commentators to be an inferior team, defeated Arbour's Islanders in a six game semifinal series. Arbour won the [[Jack Adams Award]] for the team's stellar regular season, but he determined that he had the wrong set of priorities in place. After the loss, he no longer placed much emphasis on the regular season finish and instead devoted his team's energy and focus to how they will perform in the playoffs. |
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During the 1979-1980 season, the Islanders struggled. |
During the 1979-1980 season, the Islanders struggled. However, following the acquisition of [[Butch Goring]] in March, the Islanders completed the regular season with a twelve-game unbeaten streak. The regular season run carried over to the playoff and the Islanders captured their first [[Stanley Cup]] championship on [[May 24]], [[1980]], defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime of game six. To this day, the Islanders are the second-fastest team to win the Cup. |
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The regular season run carried over to the playoff and the Islanders captured their first [[Stanley Cup]] championship on [[May 24]], [[1980]], defeating the Philadelphia Flyers. It was the club's sixth win that post-season in overtime, which at the time was an NHL record.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} |
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Arbour and the Islanders went on capture three more consecutive Cups, a record for an [[United States|American]] based hockey club. Along the way, his team set records for consecutive regular season victories, consecutive Finals victories, and playoff series victories, cementing the team as one of the greatest dynasties not only in hockey, but professional sports. By the time the Islanders were dethroned by the [[Edmonton Oilers]] in the 1984 [[Stanley Cup Finals]], the club had strung together nineteen consecutive playoff series victories, a professional sports record. (The Boston Celtics won eighteen consecutive playoff series victories from 1959 to 1966.) No team in any of the four major sports has strung together four straight championships since. |
Arbour and the Islanders went on capture three more consecutive Cups, a record for an [[United States|American]] based hockey club. Along the way, his team set records for consecutive regular season victories, consecutive Finals victories, and playoff series victories, cementing the team as one of the greatest dynasties not only in hockey, but professional sports. By the time the Islanders were dethroned by the [[Edmonton Oilers]] in the 1984 [[Stanley Cup Finals]], the club had strung together nineteen consecutive playoff series victories, a professional sports record. (The Boston Celtics won eighteen consecutive playoff series victories from 1959 to 1966.) No team in any of the four major sports has strung together four straight championships since. |
Revision as of 12:56, 23 July 2007
Alger Joseph Arbour (born November 1, 1932 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) was a player and coach in the National Hockey League.
Playing career
- Position: Defenceman
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6 ft
- Weight: 180 lb
Arbour started his playing career in 1957 with the Detroit Red Wings. He later skated for the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and St. Louis Blues and won four Stanley Cups during his playing career.
Coaching
Arbour began his coaching career with St. Louis in 1970, taking over as coach after playing for the Blues for 22 games. Following two seasons with St. Louis, he was recruited by GM Bill Torrey to take over a young New York Islanders team that had set a then-NHL record for futility by winning only 12 games in their inaugural season, 1972-73.
New York Islanders, 1973-1986
In his first season as Isles coach, Arbour taught his young squad how to play defence. While they finished dead last in the league for the second year in a row, they gave up 100 fewer goals than they did in their inaugural season and nearly doubled their point total (from 30 points to 56). New York Rangers defenceman Brad Park said after the Islanders beat their crosstown rivals for the first time, "They have a system. They look like a hockey team." Arbour's coaching laid the groundwork for future success.
The 1974-75 Islanders, on the back of talent additions and Arbour's coaching, broke through and qualified for the playoffs, notching two more points than they had in their first two seasons combined. The Isles, now in only their third season, defeated the heavily-favored Rangers in overtime of the deciding third game of their first round series.
In the next round the team found themselves down three games to none in a best of seven quarterfinal series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Prior to game four, Arbour challenged his team, telling them bluntly that anyone who didn't believe that the Islanders could come back and win the series should pack their gear and never return. The Islanders rebounded with three straight victories to tie the series, then prevailed in Game 7 by a score of 1-0. It was only the second time in major sports history, and the first since 1942, that a team won a series after trailing 3-0. Since that remarkable comeback, only the 2004 Boston Red Sox of Major League baseball has matched the feat. Even more remarkable to some, the Isles then faced the Philadelphia Flyers in the next round, again fell behind 3-0, and once again tied the series at 3. Although the Flyers prevailed in Game 7 and went on to win the second of 2 straight Stanley Cups, Al Arbour's "Never Say Die" Islanders were born.
The Islanders quickly rose to the rank of contenders, then favorites, over the next four years, but weren't able to break through and become champions. The Islanders achieved great success in the regular season, culminating in the 1978-79 campaign, which they finished with the best record in the NHL. Still, the team suffered a series of playoff disappointments, losing in 1976 and 1977 to the eventual champion Montreal Canadiens, and then an upset to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1978. Most notably, in 1979 the rival Rangers, considered by journalists and commentators to be an inferior team, defeated Arbour's Islanders in a six game semifinal series. Arbour won the Jack Adams Award for the team's stellar regular season, but he determined that he had the wrong set of priorities in place. After the loss, he no longer placed much emphasis on the regular season finish and instead devoted his team's energy and focus to how they will perform in the playoffs.
During the 1979-1980 season, the Islanders struggled. However, following the acquisition of Butch Goring in March, the Islanders completed the regular season with a twelve-game unbeaten streak. The regular season run carried over to the playoff and the Islanders captured their first Stanley Cup championship on May 24, 1980, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime of game six. To this day, the Islanders are the second-fastest team to win the Cup.
Arbour and the Islanders went on capture three more consecutive Cups, a record for an American based hockey club. Along the way, his team set records for consecutive regular season victories, consecutive Finals victories, and playoff series victories, cementing the team as one of the greatest dynasties not only in hockey, but professional sports. By the time the Islanders were dethroned by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1984 Stanley Cup Finals, the club had strung together nineteen consecutive playoff series victories, a professional sports record. (The Boston Celtics won eighteen consecutive playoff series victories from 1959 to 1966.) No team in any of the four major sports has strung together four straight championships since.
Arbour retired from coaching following the 1985-86 season and accepted a position in the Islander front office.
New York Islanders, 1988-1994, 2007
Following a disappointing start to the 1988-89 season which led to the firing of Terry Simpson, Arbour returned to the bench. It was a difficult task as most of the veterans of the dynasty had since left the team, and the Islanders missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
Arbour had one more run deep into the playoffs in 1992-93, where he led an overmatched Islanders team past the two-time defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins and to the Prince of Wales Conference Finals. Islanders star Pierre Turgeon was seriously injured by Dale Hunter in the decisive sixth game of the team's first round series against the Washington Capitals, putting him out of commission for the second-round matchup with the Penguins. Journalists gave the Islanders no chance to beat the Scotty Bowman-coached Penguins. The Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux, finished first in the regular season and seemed primed for a third straight Stanley Cup victory. Perhaps most tellingly, Jim Smith of Newsday, Long Island's hometown newspaper, predicted that without Turgeon, the defending champions would sweep the Islanders out of the playoffs in four games. Instead, Arbour's Islanders defeated Pittsburgh in overtime of the seventh game of a hard-fought series. The Islanders lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the conference finals.
Arbour retired for good after the 1993-94 season, having led the Islanders to a second playoff berth where they lost to the eventual champion New York Rangers.
However, on November 3rd, 2007, Al Arbour will return once more behind the bench to coach his 1,500th game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, at the request of current head coach, Ted Nolan.
Awards and honors
Arbour won 739 games as an Islander coach, and a banner with that number was raised to the rafters at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 25, 1997. He is a member of the New York Islanders Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
He was inducted into the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
Legacy
Along with Roger Neilson, Arbour was also an early user of videotape to analyze teams.[citation needed]
Arbour is currently second in wins and games coached behind Scotty Bowman in NHL history. Many hockey publications rank Bowman as the best coach in hockey history and Arbour as number two. This ranking is not without controversy, however, and those who believe Arbour to be the best ever point to his work turning struggling teams into champions, while Bowman usually took over teams that were already championship contenders. Arbour's team won the final playoff matchup between the two coaches in 1993.
Coaching record
Team | Year | Regular Season | Post Season | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G | W | L | T | Pts | Finish | W | L | Win % | Result | |||
STL | 70-71 | 50 | 21 | 15 | 14 | 56 | - | - | - | - | - | |
STL | 71-72 | 44 | 19 | 19 | 6 | 44 | 3rd in West | 4 | 7 | .364 | Semi-finalist | |
STL | 72-73 | 13 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | |
STL Total | 107 | 42 39.3% |
36 33.6% |
25 23.4% |
109 | 4 | 7 | .364 | 1 Playoff Appearance | |||
NYI | 73-74 | 78 | 19 | 41 | 18 | 56 | 8th in East | - | - | - | - | |
NYI | 74-75 | 80 | 33 | 25 | 22 | 88 | 3rd in Norris | 1 | 2 | .333 | Semi-Finalist | |
NYI | 75-76 | 80 | 42 | 21 | 17 | 101 | 2nd in Patrick | 7 | 6 | .538 | Semi-Finalist | |
NYI | 76-77 | 80 | 41 | 21 | 12 | 106 | 2nd in Patrick | 8 | 4 | .667 | Semi-Finalist | |
NYI | 77-78 | 80 | 48 | 17 | 15 | 111 | 1st in Patrick | 3 | 4 | .429 | Quarter-Finalist | |
NYI | 78-79 | 80 | 51 | 15 | 14 | 116 | 1st in Patrick | 9 | 6 | .600 | Semi-Finalist | |
NYI | 79-80 | 80 | 39 | 28 | 13 | 91 | 2nd in Patrick | 15 | 6 | .714 | Won Stanley Cup | |
NYI | 80-81 | 80 | 48 | 18 | 14 | 110 | 1st in Patrick | 15 | 3 | .833 | Won Stanley Cup | |
NYI | 81-82 | 80 | 54 | 16 | 10 | 118 | 1st in Patrick | 15 | 4 | .789 | Won Stanley Cup | |
NYI | 82-83 | 80 | 42 | 26 | 12 | 96 | 2nd in Patrick | 15 | 5 | .750 | Won Stanley Cup | |
NYI | 83-84 | 80 | 50 | 26 | 4 | 104 | 1nd in Patrick | 12 | 10 | .545 | Finalist | |
NYI | 84-85 | 80 | 40 | 34 | 6 | 86 | 3rd in Patrick | 4 | 6 | .400 | 2nd Round | |
NYI | 85-86 | 80 | 39 | 29 | 12 | 90 | 3rd in Patrick | 0 | 3 | .000 | Division Semi-Finalist | |
NYI | 88-89 | 53 | 21 | 29 | 3 | 45 | 6th in Patrick | - | - | - | - | |
NYI | 89-90 | 80 | 31 | 38 | 11 | 73 | 4th in Patrick | 1 | 4 | .200 | Division Semi-Finalist | |
NYI | 90-91 | 80 | 25 | 40 | 10 | 60 | 6th in Patrick | - | - | - | - | |
NYI | 91-92 | 80 | 34 | 35 | 11 | 79 | 5th in Patrick | - | - | - | - | |
NYI | 92-93 | 84 | 40 | 37 | 7 | 87 | 3rd in Patrick | 9 | 9 | .500 | Conference Finalist | |
NYI | 93-94 | 84 | 36 | 36 | 12 | 84 | 4th in Atlantic | 0 | 4 | .000 | Conference Quarter-Finalist | |
NYI Total | 1,499 | 733 48.9% |
532 35.5% |
223 14.9% |
1,701 | 114 | 76 | .600 | 15 Playoff Appearances 4 Stanley Cups | |||
Total | 1,606 | 775 48.3% |
568 35.7% |
248 15.4 |
1,810 | 118 | 83 | .587 | 16 Playoff Appearances 4 Stanley Cups |