It Happened at the Coliseum … on NOVEMBER 26th

17 years ago tonight (1997) – Robert Reichel scored some big goals and had some big games for the Islanders, but he scored only one hat trick – in a 4-1 victory over the Rangers at the Coliseum.  Reichel also assisted on Kenny Jonsson’s goal as the Isles built a 4-0 lead.  Alexei Kovalev spoiled Tommy Salo’s shutout (but nothing else), when he beat Salo with 3:16 to play. 

It was Reichel’s fourth career hat trick and points 398-401 on his career.

Reichel (L), with Bryan McCabe and Ziggy Palffy

The win pushed the Isles to .500 (10-10-4) on the season; as it has many times over the years the win over the Blueshirts came at a time the isles were not playing particularly well. 

Tom Chorske told Newsday’s John Valenti: "It was time to put up or shut up. Of course, the fact that we were playing the Rangers helped."

Also on this date: (2010) – Rick DiPietro recorded his 16^th (and final) career shutout as the Isles blanked New Jersey 2-0 in a Black Friday matinee.  Jesse Joensuu and Rob Schremp scored the goals as Jack Capuano recorded his first win behind the Islander bench as the Isles broke a 14-game winless streak.

Here's Howie and Butch with highlights:

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?hlg=20102011,2,322&lang=en

All-time, the Isles have played eight November 26th games at the Coliseum and have compiled a 4-3-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.  The 9th and final November 26th home game is tonight –as the Isles host Washington at 7:00. Make sure you’re there, because after tonight, there are only 31 regular season games remaining.