It Happened at the Coliseum … on OCTOBER 3rd

5 years ago tonight (2009): The earliest home opener in Islander history came on this date in 2009 – John Tavares made his NHL debut, becoming the 18^th Islander to score a goal in his NHL debut, but the Isles fell to the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins 4-3 in a shootout.

Dwayne Roloson made 39 saves to get the game to a shootout, but Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby scored the only goals in the skills contest.

For the record, Tavares’ first NHL point was an assist on a Mark Streit first period power play goal.  His first goal, also a power play tally, was set up by Matt Moulson and Trent Hunter.  Tavares was the second of two shooters for the Isles in the shootout, but his wrist shot went wide.  The first Islander shootout shooter: Jeff Tambellini.

"It's our first game and I think you have to come away with this excited and knowing that we competed hard," said Islanders coach Scott Gordon in his post-game news conference.

“I just want to feel like one of the guys,” said Tavares. “We all have the same goal and that’s to turn things around here.”  

 

All-time, the Isles played just that one October 3^rd game at the Coliseum, and finish with an 0-0-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.