3. Farewell, Radar
Al Arbour, legendary coach and wonderful personality, passed away at age 82 in August from complications relating to dementia and Parkinsons disease.
“Radar” coached New York to four consecutive Stanley Cup’s and was behind the bench for fifteen hundred games — the last of which in 2007, when he returned for one game under the guidance of then-coach Ted Nolan.
“Al will always be remembered as one of, if not, the greatest coaches ever to stand behind a bench in the history of the National Hockey League,” general manager Garth Snow said. “The New York Islanders franchise has four Stanley Cup’s to its name, thanks in large part to Al’s incredible efforts.”
Arbour’s 740 wins with the Isles ranks first among coaches with one team in the history of the league. The Islanders are currently wearing patches on their shoulders in tribute to their beloved head coach.
