It Happened at the Coliseum … on FEBRUARY 4th

19 years ago tonight (1996)- Niklas Andersson tied the club rookie record with three goals for his only career hat trick as the Islanders beat Dallas 5-3.

Andersson scored the first three Islander goals, allowing the team to rally from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits.  His second and third goals were scored 36 seconds apart. Ziggy Palffy and Travis Green each assisted on both goals.

Dallas got the tying goal from former Islander Benoit Hogue late in the second period but Palffy would get the winning goal, his 20^th of the season, with 7:11 to play in regulation.  Mathieu Schneider added an empty-net goal for the final margin.  Green assisted on both of these goals as well for the only four assist, and four point, game of his career.

Eric Fichaud made 38 saves for his second career win.  The Isles won the game for interim coach Rick Bowness.  Bowness coached the game as Mike Milbury was at a General Manager’s meeting.

The Palffy/Andersson/Green line finished the game with a combined +10 rating.

Here's some coverage from the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/05/sports/hockey-islander-rookie-gets-a-hat-trick-at-home.html

Also on this date: (1978) – Mike Bossy scored the first of his club record 39 hat tricks as the Isles routed Washington 6-1.  Bernie Wolfe, who would allow Bossy’s 50^th goal two months later, was in goal for Washington.

All-time, the Isles have played eight February 4th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 6-1-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.