It Happened at the Coliseum … on JANUARY 13th

14 years ago tonight (2001) – Mariusz Czerkawski scored two goals and Tim Connolly added four assists as the Isles earned a split of a home-and-home series with a 6-5 win over Pittsburgh on Bill Torrey night. 

 

Czerkawski scored the Isles’ first two goals but each was answered by a tally by Mario Lemieux.

The Isles built a 5-3 lead early in the third period; Mark Parrish later offset former Islander Martin Straka’s second goal of the game.

It was the only 4-assist game of Connolly’s career, and came nearly four months before his 20^th birthday.  This made it one of only six 4-assist games by an NHL player before his 20^th birthday since 1987.

The sell-out crowd wildly cheered the Torrey ceremony, which was highlighted by all alumni and staffers wearing Torrey’s trademark, a bow tie.  "I've worn them since I was a kid," Torrey said at a news conference.  "I don't like wearing ties at all. I can't spill anything on 
 these, and when I'm done with them, I can just fold them up and put them in my pocket.

Torrey's banner hangs side-by-side with Al Arbour's 1500 banner today. 

Did you know Torrey was a poet?  Here's Torrey and Lou Nanne before Game 4 of the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals:

Here's Torrey with Al Arbour in 1992:

View image | gettyimages.com

Also on this date: (2007) – Miroslav Satan scored the tying goal with 0.7 seconds to play but Scott Gomez scored in overtime as the Devils defeated the Isles 2-1. 

Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe have the call on Fox Sports NY:

Also on this date: (1981)  - Mike Bossy scored three power play goals and then added an empty-netter to complete a four-goal game, giving him 45 goals in the Isles' first 46 games as the Isles defeated Pittsburgh 6-3.

All-time, the Isles have played eight January 13th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 4-2-2 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.