Loser Point in Buffalo Ironically Makes 2014 Year of the Isles

While the Isles managed to blow a 3-0 lead and 4-3 in Buffalo in a shootout on Saturday, the point was important from a historical standpoint.

The Isles now have 93 points in calendar year 2014 (47 this season and 46 from January-April), which ties 2014 with 2007 for the most points in a calendar year in the post-Cup era.

If they can earn one point in the final two games of 2014, it will give them the most points since 1983 (105).

And one more (with a h/t to @r_gatt for suggesting I check):  The loser point Saturday gives the Isles a 6-4-1 record this month, meaning that by NHL accounting the Isles will finish every month of 2014 with at least a .500 record.  That last happened in 2004 when they had winning records in January-April and a lockout wiped out the fall. 

The last time the Isles played the whole calendar year with at least a .500 mark was in 1985-- a calendar year in which the Isles played either .500 or 1 game over .500 in every month.  Of course in those days every game was only worth 2 points.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick