1. Bates Penalty Shot
Sean Bates never hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup with the Isles, but he did score one of the most famous goals in franchise history.
In the closing minutes of Game 4 of the Isles’ 2002 Eastern Conference quarterfinals matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bates was driving to the net when Bryan McCabe tripped him up and the referees awarded him a penalty shot.
What happened next was beautifully emanated by Howie Rose:
“The Islanders have had two penalty shots in Stanley Cup playoff history, here is number 3. Bates against Joseph ……Bates in on goal ….he shoots, He scores! Consider that for a franchise loaded with memorable postseason moments, you have just witnessed one of the most memorable. A penalty shot goal by Shawn Bates to give the Islanders a 4–3 lead with 2 minutes and 30 seconds left in regulation time.”
