It Happened at the Coliseum … on OCTOBER 15th

37 years ago tonight (1977):  In his first game at the Coliseum, rookie Mike Bossy scored for the second consecutive game as the Islanders defeated Boston 3-1.  Billy Smith, who was celebrating a newly-signed contract made 36 saves.

It wouldn't be long before they were referring to Bossy as a Goal Scoring Machine

Bryan Trottier and Clark Gillies assisted on Bossy’s tally – and how many more times over the years was that scoring combination credited with what then-radio announcer John Sterling would call an “Islander goal…Islander goal”.

Bossy though was not happy after his second NHL game.  The man who would go on to score more goals per game than any player in the history of the game noted “But I missed so many other chances….That’s when I think to myself, “And you’re supposed to be a natural goal scorer?””   Yes, you are.  And yes you were.

Also on this date: (1991) – Derek King scored 3 goals in 1:18 for the fastest hat trick in team history, but the Isles fall 7-6 in overtime to Pittsburgh.  (2002) – Adrian Aucoin scored in overtime for a 4-3 Islander win over Nashville.  The goal came 3 seconds after Brad Isbister was stopped on a penalty shot.  Karlis Skrastins scored a 3-on-5 goal for Nashville; the Isles have not allowed one since.

All-time, the Isles have played nine October 15th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 6-2-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.