from Allan Kreda of the New York Times,
Jean Potvin made his entrance at Patsy’s Pizzeria just across Flatbush Avenue from Barclays Center, where he was greeted by his younger brother Denis, still one of the best known figures in New York sports almost three decades after retiring.
They began playfully bantering in French, which led to laughter and hugs. Such is the constant repartee between the jovial siblings, teammates on the Islanders starting in 1973, when General Manager Bill Torrey acquired Jean from the Philadelphia Flyers and then drafted Denis several months later with the first overall pick.
The Islanders went on to win the Stanley Cup each year from 1980 through 1983. Denis, the captain of those teams, remains part of Madison Square Garden lore courtesy of a coarse chant by Rangers fans — many too young to have seen him play — which dates to 1979, when many fans believe an injury he caused to Rangers center Ulf Nilsson cost them the Stanley Cup.
“I’m glad they remember Potvin’s Cups,” Denis said with a broad smile as he sipped a cappuccino. “I have four.”
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.