It Happened at the Coliseum … on JANUARY 14th

3 years ago tonight (2012) - Michael Grabner scored the winning goal with 3:03 to play and later added an empty net goal while Evgeni Nabakov stopped 23 shots for his 300th career victory as the Islanders defeated Buffalo 4-2 on Pat Flatley Night.  The Sabres had a chance to tie with 1:24 to play but Thomas Vanek hit the goalpost on a penalty shot.

First things first:  Howie Rose emcees the Flatley ceremony:

And then Howie and Butch with the call on the play that leads to Vanek's penalty shot, and the result:




Evgeni Nabokov, in his 11th straight start, made 23 saves for his milestone win. Along the way, he became the first Islander goalie to start 11 straight games since Joey MacDonald started 17 straight in 2008-09.

Nabokov became the 26th goalie in NHL history with 300 career wins. Of the 26, five played at least some time for the Isles:

·         Chris Osgood  (401 -- 49 with Isles)

·         John Vanbiesbrouck (374 -- 10 with Isles), 

·         Roberto Luongo (373 entering 2014-15 season -- 7 with Isles),

·         Evgeni Nabokov (350 entering 2014-15 season--57 with Isles)

·         Billy Smith (305 -- 304 with Isles) 

Jack Capuano noted after the game. "He's proven to be top goalie for a long time and he's been great for us this season. He made some big saves. Winning 300 games is an honor well deserved."  For his part, Nabokov noted: "I'm enjoying the guys here and I want to keep working toward the playoffs. We still have 40 games left."   While Nabokov could not lead the Isles to the playoffs that season, he would do so the following year.

Here are the complete highlights, with Howie Rose and Butch Goring:

Also on this date: (1988) - Pat LaFontaine and Brent Sutter each scored twice as the Isles coasted to an 8-5 win over Quebec.

Also on this date: (1984) - Prior to last night, the last time the Isles were in first place by themselves when they faced the Rangers was on January 14, 1984. The Isles beat the Rangers 4-2 behind a goal and two assists (each) for Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin and Butch Goring, extending their division lead to 7 points.  Bossy's goal was his 400th NHL goal.

All-time, the Isles have played ten January 14th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 5-4-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.