It Happened at the Coliseum … on FEBRUARY 23rd

27 years ago tonight (1988) – Mikko Makela tied a club record with two shorthanded goals as the Islanders crushed the Canucks 6-1.

Makela will celebrate his
50th birthday on Saturday

Bryan Trottier assisted on both of Makela’s tallies and also scored a pair of goals of his own as the Isles broke open a 1-0 game with a 4-goal second period.

Kelly Hrudey nearly had his second consecutive shutout but Petri Skriko broke it up with 1:24 to play, ending Hrudey’s shutout streak at 118:59.  The goal was scored on a 6-on-3, with Kirk McLean on the bench and two Islanders in the penalty box.  Hrudey finished with 30 saves.

The win extended the Isles’ unbeaten streak to 6 (4-0-2) as they moved within three points of first place Washington.

Also on this date: (1997) – Rich Pilon scored his first goal in two years and three days as the Isles beat Pittsburgh 4-1. 

Here's some highlights from Steve Levy and Barry Melrose on ESPN:

The Newsday story that day notes: “The $165-million sale of the Islanders to John Spano is expected to be approved when the league announces the results of a fax vote of its Board of Governors tonight. Unanimous approval is needed from the 26-member board, but a league source said: "I don't think it will be an issue."

All-time, the Isles have played eleven February 23rd games at the Coliseum and finish with a 5-5-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.