It Happened at the Coliseum … on DECEMBER 21st

9 years ago tonight (2005) – Trent Hunter scored two goals and Mike York added a goal and two assists to lead the Isles to a 4-2 victory over the Devils.

The Isles won despite scoring on only 1 of 10 power plays; they have not had ten power plays in any game played since.

Jason Blake scored less than three minutes into the game; it was first game back after missing a pair of games with a concussion suffered when he crashed into the boards.

Blake's play impressed Islanders coach Steve Stirling: "I think he was excited to be back. No, I'm not surprised he did what he did."

“You can’t take that many penalties in a game like this,” Lou Lamoriello told the New York Times’ Dave Caldwell.  The long-term Devil GM was in his second game as interim coach following the resignation of Larry Robinson.

Rick DiPietro made 25 saves to earn the win, defeating Martin Brodeur.

Here's bit more on the game from the Isles website:

http://islanders.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2005020497

Also on this date: (1972) -  Brian Spencer deflected the tying goal in off his shoulder as the Islanders rallied for a 4-4 tie with Vancouver.  The tie extended the Islanders’ winless streak to 15 games (0-12-3), but the streak would end two days later with a win over Minnesota.

All-time, the Isles have played twelve December 21st games at the Coliseum and finish with a 3-7-2 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.