Re: 25 years ago tonight.... (correcting)

==>(Thanks to a couple of followers who pointed out that there have been two previous Valentines Day meetings)

 

February 14, 1988 was the first Valentine's Day matchup between the Islanders and Rangers.

The game, at Madison Square Garden, ended in a 4-4 tie.

Marcel Dionne scored twice, opening the scoring just 2:33 in, and tying the game for good with 6:12 to play.  It was his first goal that was the historical one, though, as it was career goal #718, passing Phil Esposito for 2nd place on the all-time list.  (He's now fourth, behind Gretzky, Howe, and Brett Hull)

Mikko Makela had a pair of goals for the Islanders in the game, giving him an even 30.

===> The teams also met on Valentines Day 1992 at MSG.  The Rangers spanked the Islanders 9-2 in their most lopsided (7 goals) victory ever in the series.  Adam Graves had a hat trick, as the Rangers outshot the Isles 48-25.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick