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Saturday, February 28, 2015

It Happened at the Coliseum … on FEBRUARY 29th (You didn’t think I’d forget 2/29, did you?)



11 years ago (2004) – The Isles have played only two February 29th games at the Coliseum and did not win either of them.

In 2004, Ryan Malone became the first rookie in NHL history to score three overtime goals in a season, as he scored 2:45 into overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Islanders 3-2. The Islanders did gain a point for the overtime defeat, giving them a season-high nine-point advantage for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

In a sign of things to come, Rick DiPietro was supposed to play, but according to coach Steve Stirling “felt something pull” during warm-ups.  Garth Snow manned the Islander nets and finished with twenty-one saves. 

Andy Chiodo, who was originally drafted by the Isles in 2001 but re-entered the draft and was selected by the Penguins in 2003, made 38 saves.  It was the second of his three career NHL wins.

Also on this date: (1992) – Chris Terreri made 28 saves as the Devils earned a split of the home-and-home series with a 3-1 New Jersey win at the Coliseum. David Volek’s sixth attacker goal cut the Devils’ margin to 2-1 with 51 seconds to play but Doug Brown hit the empty-net to cement matters for New Jersey

With only two home games to choose from, I'll share some road highlights from a very special night in Winnipeg 31 years ago --the night Patrick Flatley and Pat LaFontaine debuted for the Isles.  This video is from the Channel 9 telecast with Jiggs and Eddie.



All-time, the Isles have played two February 29th games at the Coliseum and have compiled a 0-1-1 record on February 29th at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.  

Note from Eric:

Recently, I was approached by @Islesblog to participate in a project for charity based on the "It Happened" theme.

The result is these gorgeous T-shirts and hoodies:


and now they can be yours.

Please visit http://teespring.com/IslesBlogIHATC to order.

Check out http://nyislesblog.com/articles/it-happened-at-the-coliseum-shirts-now-available for more on the campaign.

 All proceeds benefit one of my favorite charities: Make-A-Wish® Metro New York.

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