The Isles finish the season 6-1-1 against New Jersey. It's the first time since 1983-84 [7-0-0] that the Isles have won at least six games from New Jersey. The Isles were 3-0-1 at the Meadowlands. It's the first time since 1992-93 that they've won three games in a season in New Jersey and the first since since 1982-83 that they've picked up points in four games in New Jersey. The Isles have beaten Marty Brodeur four straight times; prior to this streak they had never beaten the perennial all-star three straight times. Brad Shaw is the only Islander coach besides Al Arbour to ever win four straight against the Devils franchise. Marty Brodeur has allowed twelve goals in his last two games and was pulled from both. He had never allowed more than ten goals in consecutive games and was last pulled in consecutive games on Dec 31/96 - Jan 2/97. Rick DiPietro has won six straight games - a career high. Di Pietro has won seven straight starts [he was charged with the loss in relief against Montreal], and is 11-1-1 in his last 13 starts. The Isles are 6-1 in their last seven games. The Isles have won four straight games, and have allowed only one goal in each. If the Isles can hold Atlanta to one goal or less on Thursday, they will tie a club record of allowing one goal or fewer in five straight games. The record was set early in the 1974-75 season. At 31-29-4, the Isles are two games over NHL .500 -- one game shy of their season best [15-12-2, 16-13-2, 17-14-2] done three times. The Isles are now .500 on the road 15-15-2, for 32 points. Other than the 2001-02 season, when they had 37 points in 32 games, they haven't had more than 32 points in their first 32 road games since they had 34 in 32 games when they were still defending the Stanley Cup in 1983-84. [Of course, there are more points per game available this season than ever before.]
