Stat Trick: Islanders 2, Rangers 1

1. A nite for milestones as Di Pietro wins his 100th (4th goalie in Isles history: Smith 304, Resch 157, Hrudey 106) as the Isles record their 500th road win.

2. A nite for records as the Isles become the first NHL team to ever play seven consecutive one-goal games, all decided in regulation, extend their MSG point streak to six (5 wins and an OT loss) for the first time ever and stretch their record over the Rangers to 9-1-2 -- the best 12-game stretch ever against the Blueshirts, and set a record with an eighth straight win over the Devils and Rangers.

3. A night for celebrating, as the Isles have won 11 of 17 games, matching their total in 2001-02 for the most wins in the first 17 since opening 12-4-1 in 1987-88.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of FSN statistician Eric Hornick.