It Happened at the Coliseum … on DECEMBER 3rd

12 years ago tonight (2002) – Alexei Yashin extended his point scoring streak to nine straight games when he deposited the rebound of a Claude Lapointe shot into the goal with just 92 seconds to play as the Islanders beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1, snapping the visitors’ franchise-record 10-game winning streak. 

Yashin (L) with GM Mike Milbury

 "We have to make a habit out of going to the net," Yashin told Newsday’s Alan Hahn.

Arron Asham gave the Isles a 1-0 lead just 2:56 into play, but Sami Salo tied the game for the Canucks early in the third period, setting the stage for Yashin’s heroics.  Chris Osgood finished with 25 saves.  Dan Cloutier, who a few seasons earlier had been the Rangers goaltender in the famed “goalie fight” game, had 34 stops for Vancouver.

It was only the Isles’ 9^th win of the season (9-13-3) and their first against a team that had made the previous season’s playoffs.

Clark Gillies was honored before the game for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame; former teammates Bob Bourne, Duane Sutter and Billy Carroll joined him on the ice for a pre-game ceremony.

I couldn't find any video from that night, but how's this: a fight between Gillies and the Flyers' Dave Schultz in the final seconds of game 5.

Also on this date: (2013) – It was a memorable game, but for the wrong reason. Sidney Crosby scored the tying goal in the third period and the winning goal in overtime as the Penguins extended the Isles winless streak to seven with 3-2 decision.  Kyle Okposo scored both goals for the Isles.

Here's Paul Steigerwald's call of the OT winner, on Root Sports Pittsburgh.

Also on this date: (1993) – Garth Snow made 23 saves in his NHL debut as the Quebec Nordiques beat the Isles 6-3.

Garth Snow (undated)

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