Bryan Trottier talked psychology. He marveled at his teammates’ play on the Islanders squad that won the first of four Stanley Cups 40 years ago. He praised Al Arbour’s system and nearly everything else the team’s legendary coach did.
The Hall of Famer did just about everything but answer the immediate question about his performance in that magical run, which was worthy of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
“He became so dominant in 1980,” fellow Hall of Famer Denis Potvin told Newsday last month. “He just established himself. I’ve often said if I started my own team today, Bryan Trottier would be my No.