2. Billy Smith
Long before Hextall terrorized the crease, there was Billy Smith, the undisputed champion of intimidation during the New York Islanders’ dynasty years. “Battlin’ Billy” was an integral part of those four Stanley Cup teams, not just for his stellar goaltending, but for his willingness to do whatever it took to protect his net and his teammates.
Smith racked up an impressive 490 career penalty minutes, a staggering number for a goalie of his era. He was a master of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) slash, the unexpected poke check, and the infuriating obstruction. Forwards who dared to venture too close to his crease often found themselves dealing with a gloved fist or a well-aimed blocker.
His most famous altercation came during the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers, when he engaged in a notorious stick-swinging duel with Bobby Clarke. It was a clear declaration that Smith would not be pushed around, even by the legendary captain of the “Broad Street Bullies.”
Don Maloney, who played against Smith in numerous playoff battles, once described the experience: “Billy Smith was a nightmare. He’d whack you, trip you, spray you with snow. He was constantly talking, trying to get under your skin. But the worst part was, he was a great goalie on top of all that. He’d beat you up and then shut you out.” Smith was truly a pioneer in the art of goaltender agitation.
