Once upon a time, long, long ago -- try late 1940s-1950s -- the Montreal Canadiens had a fine forward named Floyd Curry. Curry had a couple of nicknames -- such as "Busher" -- but the one I liked best was "The Honest Blocker."
Floyd, who played on four Stanley Cup-winning teams, earned that handle because he was as honest a hockey player as they come; plus he could block shots and opponents with the best of them.
The Islander who most reminds me of Curry is Patrick Flatley. Like Curry, Flats is known as a player's player -- gritty, fearless and savvy. His nickname said it all -- "Chairman of the Boards."
Maven's Memories: Patrick Flatley, Chairman of the Boards
Stan Fischler profiles former Islanders captain Patrick Flatley
© B Bennett/Getty Images
© B Bennett/Getty Images
© B Bennett/Getty Images