It Happened at the Coliseum … on DECEMBER 16th

8 years ago tonight (2006) – Rick DiPietro records the first of a franchise record-tying three consecutive home shutouts as the Isles thrashed Atlanta 6-0.

DiPietro made 37 saves in the Isles’ most lopsided home shutout since Ron Hextall shut out the Kings 7-0 in 1993. It was the first time in their history that the Islanders won a shutout this lopsided at home for any coach other than Al Arbour.  (They have done so only one other time, in 2010 vs. Detroit)

It was DiPietro’s seventh career shutout and second against Atlanta.

The Isles had six different goal scorers and had 10 players record a +2 or better. 

Islander coach Ted Nolan was certainly pleased with the effort:  "Defensively we were sound, but when we did cough up the puck, Ricky was there to save us. He played a tremendous game and I'm glad he was able to pick up the shutout."

Here are the highlights, from Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe, on  FoxSports NY: 

Also on this date: (1980) – Anders Kallur and Bob Bourne score shorthanded goals 17 seconds apart as the Isles coasted to a 6-2 win over Winnipeg.

All-time, the Isles have played nine December 16th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 6-1-2 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.