It Happened at the Coliseum … on FEBRUARY 2nd

33 years ago tonight (1982) – Brent Sutter scored three times for his first career hat trick and each goal was set-up by his brother Duane.  The Isles needed all three goals to win a wild 7-6 game with the Washington Capitals.

Each team scored three times in the opening period as the Isles squandered 1-0 and 3-1 leads. Bryan Trottier scored just 1:00 into play to give the Isles lead; Sutter scored two of his three goals in a 3:37 span.

Stefan Persson gave the Isles a 4-3 lead early in the second period but Denis Maruk’s second power play goal of the game tied things again.  Sutter completed his hat trick at 5:08 of the second period and when Mike Bossy scored the Chili Goal 54 seconds later it looked like the Isles were in control.  After Gaetan Duchesne got Washington back within one, 

Trottier scored his second goal of the game at 14:58 of the 2^nd period to make it 7-5.  Chris Valentine’s second power play goal late in the second period cut the Isles lead to 7-6.

Believe it or not, a scoreless third period followed as the Isles held on for a 7-6 win.  It was the 6^th of their 15 straight wins.

Each team used both of their goalies.  Rollie Melanson and Dave Parro started; Billy Smith and Al Jensen finished.

Al Arbour recorded his 400^th NHL win, but wasn’t happy about it.  “They’ve been looking at some of their press clippings too much lately.  We’re thinking too much about scoring goals instead of killing penalties.”

Parton Keese wrote the story for the NY Times: 

http://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/03/sports/islanders-win-sixth-in-row-7-6.html

Also on this date: (1992) – One day after winning on Denis Potvin night, the Isles scored three goals in the third period to break open a 3-3 tie and defeat Calgary 6-3.  David Volek scored twice for the Isles; Benoit Hogue added three assists.

All-time, the Isles have played ten February 2^nd games at the Coliseum and finish with a 4-4-2 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.