Humble Trottier Scores 500th Goal

Bryan Trottier got his 500th goal the same way he got the first 499--within the disciplined system that has been a part of the New York Islanders throughout his 15 NHL seasons.

“I think the team concept that (Coach) Al Arbour has here is very important,” Trottier said Tuesday night after becoming the 15th player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal mark in a 4-2 loss to Calgary. “The guys all stick by it, and I’m no different than anyone else.

“You’ve got to stick with the system. That system has put 500 goals on the board for me.”

Trottier gave credit to everyone but himself.

“It’s a nice reflection on me but also on the guys I played with, players past and present, as well as the coaching staff and the system,” he said. “You’ve got to be with a good team, with quality players.”

The historic goal wasn’t a thing of beauty. Trottier poked the puck through goaltender Rick Wamsley’s legs at 9:57 of the second period, tying him with former Flame Lanny McDonald for 14th place on the all-time goal-scoring list.

McDonald got No. 500 against the Islanders last March 21.

“I guess it’s tit-for-tat,” Wamsley joked.

Trottier was one of the cornerstones of the Islanders’ dynasty that produced four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983. His role with this year’s surprising first-place team may have diminished, but not his stature in the eyes of his teammates,

“Bryan’s a sure Hall of Famer,” said Pat LaFontaine, who replaced Trottier as the hub of the Islanders’ offense and began the play that resulted in Trottier’s goal. “To be part of it was a big thrill.”