It Happened at the Coliseum … on JANUARY 29th

30 years ago tonight (1985) – Bryan Trottier scored a pair of second period goals to get the Isles started, as they rallied from a 4-0 deficit to earn a 4-4 tie with the Minnesota North Stars.

Trottier’s second goal, coming at 15:16 of the second period, was one for the record books, as he became the first player in Islander history to reach 1,000 career points. "These things mean a lot," said Trottier. "I have to think back to all the guys who played with me. Mike Bossy, my friend is No. 1. John Tonelli, and --all the way back--Garry Howatt, Bobby Bourne and Billy Harris. And Greg Gilbert, I can't forget him. They all helped, as did Denis Potvin on the power play so many times. It's a real big thing to me."  Perhaps fittingly, Trottier was the 19^th player in NHL history to reach that mark.  Ironically, Trottier’s milestone goal was scored shorthanded, with Mike Bossy (of all people) in the penalty box.

His milestone goals came against former teammate Roland Melanson, who was making his first Coliseum appearance since being traded for a first round draft pick the previous November.

Denis Maruk had a goal and two assists for the North Stars as they scored twice in a 16 second span of the first period and twice in the first 7:34 of the second.

Duane Sutter cut the Stars lead to 4-3 early in the third period; John Tonelli tied the game for good at 6:57 of the third period.

Denis Potvin and Mike Bossy each had two assists for the Isles, who completed game 50 with a 26-21-3 record.

Melanson finished with 36 saves; Kelly Hrudey made 29 saves for the Isles.  Hrudey’s backup was Todd Lumbard as Billy Smith served the first game of a six-game suspension.  Lumbard, a 1981 Islander draft pick, never got off the bench in the games he backed up Hrudey, and never appeared in an NHL game.

So what ever became of Lumbard?  He now is a part owner of the Regina Pats (WHL), and also owns a funeral home in Regina.  

More about Todd here: http://reginapats.com/qcseg  and more about his time in the NHL here: http://benchw.blogspot.com/2013/12/todd-lumbard.html

Also on this date: (1999) – In a rare Friday night home game, Zdeno Chara and Robert Reichel scored in the final four minutes as the Islanders rallied for a 4-4 tie with Phoenix. Chara’s first NHL goal came on a wrist shot from the right point that beat a screened Jimmy Waite.

Howie Rose and Joe Micheletti have the call on Big Z's first NHL goal; one of six that he scored in 231 games as an Islander.

Also on this date (19??):  The girl of my dreams is born.  Happy birthday Diane!

All-time, the Isles have played six January 29th games at the Coliseum and have compiled a 0-3-3 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.  The 7th and final January 29th home game is tonight –as the Isles host Boston at 7:00. Make sure you’re there, because after tonight, there are only 19 regular season games remaining.