40 years ago tonight (1974) – Chico Resch recorded his first career shutout as the Islanders blanked Los Angeles 3-0. The win gave the Islanders 32 points (12-9-8) on the season, surpassing their entire first season output just two seasons earlier.
Garry Howatt’s first period goal turned out to be the game-winner. Billy Harris added an insurance goal early in the third period before Denis Potvin hit the empty-net to complete the scoring.
It was only the 4th loss all season for the Kings, who were 6-1-5 on the road entering the game.
Resch, displaying the loquaciousness that made him a media favorite, told the NY Times’ Robin Herman: “I could have done that in a rocking chair, reading a newspaper… I never had a hard shot. We just played so well.”
The win, which was the Isles’ 3rd in the their last four games, moved the Islanders into second place in the Patrick Division, one point ahead of the Rangers and Flames.
Resch would finish his Islander career with a franchise-record 25 shutouts.
Also on this date: (2013) - Max Pacioretty scored 1:51 into overtime for the game's only goal as Montreal spoiled Ryan Strome’s NHL debut and handed the Isles their third straight home overtime loss. It was Pacioretty’s 9th career goal (in just 15 games) against the Isles.
All-time, the Isles have played ten December 14th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 3-3-4 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.
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