It Happened at the Coliseum … on DECEMBER 12th

5 years ago tonight (2009) - Frans Nielsen's mother had never seen him play an NHL game.  Not only did she get to see him play, she got to see him play hero.  Nielsen's breakaway goal just 24 seconds into overtime gave the Isles a 3-2 win over the Bruins. 

Rob Schremp and Matt Moulson had the other Islander goals; it was the first goal for Schremp in the NHL.

Dwayne Roloson made 17 saves in the third period alone, and 30 on the game to pick up the win. It was Roloson's tenth win of the season, marking the eighth straight season (and ninth time in his career) that he reached double digits in wins.   Roloson also improved to 6-0-2 in his eight starts as an Islander at the Coliseum and the Isles raised their home record to 7-3-2.

Bruins Coach Claude Julien told the Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont: "I thought [Roloson] was the difference tonight. From our end of it, you know, it's hard to criticize my team when it shows that kind of effort."

Future Islander (at least on paper) Tim Thomas noted: "It looked like he was going to lose it off his stick. He made a real nice [backhand] shot, and I think part of it was that he almost lost it . . . but he ended up closer than I thought he'd get and scored on the backhander. Nice shot."

Here is the complete highlight package. Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley had the call for NESN:

 Here's a fan's-eye view of the winning tally:





Also on this date: (1987) – Bryan Trottier scored two goals while Pat Lafontaine and Brad Lauer each added a goal and an assist as the Isles threw 47 shots at Bob Sauve and beat the Devils 5-3.

Billy Smith dressed for the game, played on his 37^th birthday, but did not play.  Happy 64^th birthday, Smitty!

All-time, the Isles have played nine December 12th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 6-2-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.