Clark Gillies dies at 67, four-time Islanders Stanley Cup winner

He was 67."The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Clark Gillies, a tower of strength on the ice for the dynastic New York Islanders of the early 1980s and a pillar of the Long Island community ever since," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Gillies helped define the term 'power forward' during a 14-season, Hall of Fame career with the Islanders and Buffalo Sabres that was highlighted by winning four straight Stanley Cups with the Islanders."His 319 goals and 378 assists in 958 NHL games -- and his 47 goals and 47 assists in 164 Stanley Cup Playoff games -- reflected his talent. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Gillies family."Gillies' death was announced by the Islanders following a 4-0 home win against the Arizona Coyotes."I think when you talk about Clark, Clark has a relationship with so many guys that have cut their teeth with the Islanders," New York coach Barry Trotz said. He played for the Islanders from 1974-75 through 1985-86 after being selected in the first round (No. 4) of the 1974 NHL Draft.Gillies played 872 games for New York (fifth in Islanders history) and scored 663 points (304 goals, 359 assists), fourth in their history.Gillies was one of 17 Islanders players who won four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980-83. It's a sad day."Skating on the top line with Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy, Gillies helped New York win its first of four straight championships in 1980, starting the run of winning playoff series that lasted until the 1984 Stanley Cup Final, which it lost to the Edmonton Oilers.Despite being one of the toughest players of his time, Gillies never had 100 penalty minutes in a season; his NHL high was 99 in 1980-81, when he scored 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists).