By the Numbers: The Enduring Legacy of #22 in Hockey—A

22: A Number That Became a Story

Hockey fans don’t usually get sentimental about jersey numbers—unless someone truly special earns it. That’s what Mike Bossy did with the number “22”. Over ten seasons with the Islanders, he turned the number “22” into something instantly familiar. You didn’t need a replay to know when Bossy was on the ice; his stride and his shot made “22” feel unmistakable.

A Scoring Streak for the Ages

Bossy arrived in the NHL already playing like a seasoned star. Scoring 53 goals as a rookie? That alone could’ve defined a career. But he kept stacking season after season, finishing with nine straight years of 50-plus goals. With Bossy, that level of production somehow felt routine. His release was lightning-fast, he read plays before they unfolded, and he had a knack for appearing exactly where a goal was waiting to happen.

Building a Dynasty, One Goal at a Time

If you watched the New York Islanders in the early ’80s, you remember the feeling: they were contenders every year, and Bossy was a huge part of that confidence. During their run of four straight Stanley Cups, he delivered in the moments fans still talk about—the clutch goals, the quiet momentum swings, the nights when it seemed like he simply decided the game.

1981 Playoffs: 17 Goals; 35 Points
1982 Playoffs: 17 Goals; 27 Points
1983 Playoffs: 17 Goals; 26 Points

Grace Under Pressure

What made Bossy even easier to admire is that he didn’t rely on intimidation or theatrics. He played with timing and calm, trusting his skill more than anything else. Despite scoring at a historic pace, he built a reputation for fairness and sportsmanship—a combination you don’t always see. And the numbers stand up: 573 goals and more than 1,000 points in 752 games. Imagine what that total becomes without the injuries that ended things early.

22: A Legacy Sealed in History

When the Islanders retired jersey number “22” in 1992, it felt like a natural conclusion to what Mike Bossy had meant to the franchise. That banner isn’t just a number; it’s a reminder of a player who shaped an era. Fans still point it out with the kind of pride that sticks around.

Hockey Hall of Fame (Mike Bossy)

Forever 22

Even today, when people talk about pure goal scorers, Bossy’s name slides into the conversation without hesitation. He made finishing plays look simple, and he did it night after night. For anyone who watched him—or heard the stories—number “22” still sparks a familiar rush.

Mike Bossy didn’t just wear number “22”. He made it unforgettable.