It Happened at the Coliseum … on FEBRUARY 29th (You didn’t think I’d forget 2/29, did you?)

11 years ago (2004) – The Isles have played only two February 29^th games at the Coliseum and did not win either of them.

In 2004, Ryan Malone became the first rookie in NHL history to score three overtime goals in a season, as he scored 2:45 into overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Islanders 3-2. The Islanders did gain a point for the overtime defeat, giving them a season-high nine-point advantage for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

In a sign of things to come, Rick DiPietro was supposed to play, but according to coach Steve Stirling “felt something pull” during warm-ups.  Garth Snow manned the Islander nets and finished with twenty-one saves. 

Andy Chiodo, who was originally drafted by the Isles in 2001 but re-entered the draft and was selected by the Penguins in 2003, made 38 saves.  It was the second of his three career NHL wins.

Also on this date: (1992) – Chris Terreri made 28 saves as the Devils earned a split of the home-and-home series with a 3-1 New Jersey win at the Coliseum. David Volek’s sixth attacker goal cut the Devils’ margin to 2-1 with 51 seconds to play but Doug Brown hit the empty-net to cement matters for New Jersey

With only two home games to choose from, I'll share some road highlights from a very special night in Winnipeg 31 years ago --the night Patrick Flatley and Pat LaFontaine debuted for the Isles.  This video is from the Channel 9 telecast with Jiggs and Eddie.

All-time, the Isles have played two February 29th games at the Coliseum and have compiled a 0-1-1 record on February 29th at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.  

Note from Eric:

Recently, I was approached by @Islesblog to participate in a project for charity based on the "It Happened" theme.

The result is these gorgeous T-shirts and hoodies:

and now they can be yours.

Please visit http://teespring.com/IslesBlogIHATC to order.

Check out http://nyislesblog.com/articles/it-happened-at-the-coliseum-shirts-now-available for more on the campaign.

 All proceeds benefit one of my favorite charities: Make-A-Wish® Metro New York.