Denis Potvin had an outstanding season in 1978-79, winning his third Norris Trophy and leading the New York Islanders to their first regular season championship.
Despite their success in the regular season, the Islanders faced a devastating loss in the 1979 playoffs, preventing them from winning the Stanley Cup.
Potvin's offensive and statistical dominance declined in subsequent seasons as he focused on supporting his teammates and leading the Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup wins.