Bob Nystrom Thore Robert " Bob " Nyström ( born October 10 , 1952 in Stockholm , Sweden ) , is a retired professional right - winger . He played for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) from 1972 to 1986 . Early career . Born Thore Robert Nyström in Stockholm , Sweden , Nystrom came to Canada as a four - year - old and starred for the BCJHL ' s Kamloops Rockets in 1969 – 70 . He was an emotional sparkplug on the Calgary Centennials of the WCJHL for two seasons and was claimed 33rd overall by the Islanders in 1972 . He played half a season for minor league affiliate New Haven Nighthawks of the American Hockey league before being promoted to the Islanders in March 1973 . Nystrom ' s first full season with the Islanders was 1973 – 74 , where he tallied 41 points as a rookie , garnering Calder Trophy consideration as Rookie of the Year ( the award eventually went to teammate Denis Potvin ) . Over the next four seasons , as the Islander team improved , Nystrom became one of the steadiest two way forwards in the league . In each his first five seasons he collected over 20 goals , including a career high 30 in 1977 - 78 , while playing a strong checking and defensive game as well . He was also selected to play in the 1977 NHL All - Star Game . Stanley Cups and " Mr . Islander " . Nystrom was one of the hardest working , if not most talented , members of the New York Islanders , who were quickly becoming one of the most feared and respected clubs in the NHL . Although Nystrom , who was nicknamed " Thor " by his teammates , had developed into a very skilled and respected fighter with a physical edge to his game , Nystrom took it upon himself to improve his skating ability . He regularly took power skating classes , and in time , became a fairly fluid skater with strong hockey instincts . As with many of the Islanders of the early 1980s , those instincts seemed to be more in tune when the playoffs rolled around . Nystrom has been known as one of the all - time clutch players in NHL Stanley Cup playoff history . He tallied 39 goals and 83 points in 157 playoff games ; however he is most noted for his knack for overtime winners . Nystrom ended playoff overtime games four times in his career , a mark surpassed only by Maurice Richard ' s six overtime winners . On May 24 , 1980 , in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals against the Philadelphia Flyers , Nystrom scored the game winner at 7 : 11 of overtime on national television throughout the United States to secure the first Stanley Cup in franchise history . Nystrom embraced the Long Island community like few others , contributing to various charities in the area and promoting the local businesses whenever possible . By virtue of these distinctions , and coupled with the most famous goal in team history , Nystrom was nicknamed " Mr . Islander . " Later years . Nystrom continued to be an effective winger through the Islander ' s Stanley Cup run , but by 1985 , his rugged , aggressive play began to wear his body down . He played only 36 games in 1984 – 85 , managing only two goals , though he matched that total in only ten postseason games . After playing sparingly through the first three months of the 1985 – 86 season , Nystrom was accidentally struck in the eye by a high stick from teammate Gerald Diduck in practice on January 5 . Unable to play due to the severity of the injury ( he suffered two tears of the retina , which later required surgery ) , he was thought to have retired , and he served as an assistant coach for the remainder of the season . Nystrom had played in 899 regular season games at the time . Islander ' s coach , Al Arbour , who considered Nystrom one of his favorites , approached Nystrom prior to the Islander ' s last home game of the 1985 – 86 season on April 5 , and asked him if he would like to dress one more game , in order to make it an even 900 games played ; more importantly , it would give Islander fans a chance to say a proper good - bye . Nystrom accepted , and was added to the starting lineup . He took the opening face - off to a surprised and appreciative home crowd ' s roar . After skating around for about five seconds , he returned to the bench , never to play again . Nystrom remained an assistant coach the next two seasons , then served as radio analyst for the Islanders . He was named Islanders Director of Corporate Affairs in 1988 and remained in that position through 1988 – 89 season , when he took a position as Islanders Director of Special Projects in 1989 and remained in that position through 1990 – 91 season . He was named Islanders Director of Community Relations in 1991 and Director of Amateur Hockey Development & Alumni Relations in 1992 . In 1997 he added the title Director of Corporate Relations remained in that position through 2001 – 02 season . The Islanders retired his No . 23 on April 1 , 1995 , although three other players had worn it after Nystrom . Nystrom has a son Eric , who was drafted by the Calgary Flames as the number ten pick in the first round of the 2002 NHL Draft . Bob Nystrom Award . In 1991 , the Islanders began presenting the Bob Nystrom Award to the player on the team " who best exemplifies leadership , hustle and dedication . " Past winners :