Phil Goyette, former NHL forward and Islanders’ first coach, dies at 92

Phil Goyette, the former NHL forward who helped the Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup titles in his first four seasons and was the New York Islanders’ first coach, has died. He was 92. The Canadiens said Goyette died Saturday. The team didn’t provide a cause of death. Goyette, from Lachine, Quebec, made his debut with the Canadiens in 1956-57. He also played for the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues, winning the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 1969-70 with St. Louis. In 940 regular-season games, Goyette had 207 goals and 467 assists. He added 17 goals and 29 assists in 94 playoff games. Goyette coached the expansion Islanders in 1972-73, going 6-40-4 before he was replaced.