With just one second remaining in regulation, Bryan Trottier completed an improbable New York Islanders comeback against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Highlights
January 17, 1986, at the Philadelphia Spectrum
Flyers led 3-1 after two periods
Mark Hamway started the Islanders’ comeback
Brent Sutter tied the game at 3-3
Bryan Trottier scored with one second remaining
Mike Bossy and Greg Gilbert assisted on the winning goal
Billy Smith made 21 saves in the 4-3 victory
Trottier’s winner was his 21st goal of the season
On January 17, 1986, the Flyers hosted the Islanders at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. The home team carried a comfortable 3-1 lead into the second intermission after goals from Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Ilkka Sinisalo. Poulin’s goal came while Philadelphia was shorthanded.
The Islanders Rally in the Third Period
New York began its comeback just 2:20 into the third period. Mark Hamway scored his fourth goal of the 1985-86 season, assisted by Gord Dineen and Duane Sutter, to reduce the Flyers’ lead to one.
Just over ten minutes later, Duane’s brother Brent Sutter tied the game at 3-3. His ninth goal of the season beat Philadelphia goaltender Bob Froese, with Mikko Makela and Denis Potvin earning the assists.
Bryan Trottier Beats the Clock
With overtime appearing inevitable, Bryan Trottier delivered the winning goal at the last possible moment. Trottier scored his 21st of the season with only one second remaining, giving the Islanders a dramatic 4-3 victory. Mike Bossy and Greg Gilbert assisted on the goal, which came on Trottier’s third shot of the night.
Froese and Islanders goaltender Billy Smith each faced 24 shots, with “Battlin’ Billy” making one additional save. Bossy, Gilbert and Potvin recorded two points apiece for New York, while Mark Howe and Brian Propp did the same for Philadelphia. Tim Kerr led all players with six shots on goal but was kept off the scoresheet.
One second was all Bryan Trottier needed to turn a likely overtime game into an unforgettable Islanders victory.
All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice
The autobiography of Bryan Trottier — his journey through hockey greatness and life beyond the rink.
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