It Happened at the Coliseum … on DECEMBER 13th

31 years ago tonight (1983)- The Islanders scored four goals in the first 5:17 and cruised to an 8-5 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of the previous year’s Stanley Cup Final.

Mike Bossy scored the first two goals but it would be Butch Goring’s big night as Goring tallied four goals.  The Isles built a 7-2 lead through 40 minutes; Goring’s 4^th tally came shorthanded and into an empty net with 2:45 to play.  It was Goring’s 14^th (and final) career hat trick and his 4^th as an Islander.

Wayne Gretzky broke his own NHL record by extending his point streak to 31 straight games; he later recorded his first goal in nine games against the Isles, tallying his 300^th career goal (in an NHL-record 350 games).  

Oilers Coach/GM Glen Sather told the Philadelphia Daily News’ Jay Greenberg: “''We were intimidated. A lot of our guys were afraid to touch the puck, giving it away like they don't want it. The Islanders are a great hockey club. I don't know whether they can come back when they're down because we've never had them in that position”

Goring noted “I think that the crowd has been waiting all year for this.”

It was the ninth straight time, including playoffs, over two seasons that the Isles had beaten the Oilers.

Unfortunately, I don't have any video of that game, so enjoy these --

First, Butch's biggest goal as an LA King -- a playoff OT winner.

Second, an intermission feature from USA Network that aired during the 1983-84 season:

Did you catch the brief snippet introducing that piece? It was done by Al Trautwig.

Also on this date: (2003) – Garth Snow recorded 18 saves for his only Coliseum shutout as an Islander as the Isles blanked Atlanta 4-0.

All-time, the Isles have played seven December 13th games at the Coliseum and have compiled a 5-1-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.  The 8th and final December 13th home game is tonight –as the Isles host Chicago at 7:00. Make sure you’re there, because after tonight, there are only 27 regular season games remaining.