It Happened at the Coliseum … on FEBRUARY 5th

30 years ago tonight (1985) – Mike Bossy became the first player in NHL history to record eight consecutive 40-goal seasons and Denis Potvin added his 250^th career goal as the Isles defeated Philadelphia 7-5.

Two of Denis Potvin's milestone stick: (top) his 250th NHL goal stick from the 1984-85 season and (bottom) the stick he used to score his 300th NHL goal during the 1987-88 campaign.

Bossy also chipped in four assists while John Tonelli added a goal and three helpers.

With the game tied 1-1, the Isles rifled three straight goals to take a 4-1 lead after one period. The Flyers erased the lead by outscoring the Isles 4-1 in the first 14:32 of the second period. 

Brent Sutter scored the game-winner at 15:51 of the second period and Greg Gilbert added an insurance goal midway through the third period for the final margin of victory.

Bossy’s milestone goal came at 8:26 of the second period; at the time it gave the Isles a 5-3 lead and broke a tie with Phil Esposito for most consecutive 40-goal seasons.  Bossy would add a 9^th consecutive season the following year; only Wayne Gretzky (12) would ever beat Bossy’s mark.  ''I'm glad for myself only because we've been needing a good individual performance from somebody to lift the whole team.''

Darren Jensen, making his NHL debut for Philadelphia, would take the loss. “We knew it would be a tough game for him”, Flyer coach Mike Keenan told Newsday’s Pat Calabria.  “It was trial by fire.”

Al Arbour recorded his 543^rd career victory, passing Billy Reay for third place on the all-time list.

Ilkka Sinisalo had a hat trick in defeat for the Flyers; a potential fourth goal was ruled to have been kicked in.

NY Times coverage is here: http://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/06/sports/bossy-gets-5-points-as-islanders-win.html

Also on this date: (2011) - Rob Schremp scored twice and Kevin Poulin stopped the final 18 Senators shots as the Isles defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-3.  

Howie and Butch have the highlights.

All-time, the Isles have played eight February 5th games at the Coliseum and finish with a 4-3-1 record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.