It Happened at the Coliseum … on MARCH 23rd

20 years ago tonight (1995) – In perhaps his finest performance as an Islander, Tommy Soderstrom made 37 saves to blank the Rangers 1-0.

Steve Thomas scored the only goal of the game at the 10:05 of the third period.

The Rangers outshot the Isles 37-15, including 30-9 in the first two periods but couldn’t find a way to beat Soderstrom.  

Soderstrom’s first shutout as an Islander featured six saves on both Sergei Zubov and Adam Graves.  Mike Richter was tagged with the loss.

Unfortunately I don't have any video from this game but check out this video of Soderstrom, as a Flyer, allowing an unusual empty-net goal.

Some fans may remember Soderstrom more for this fight with Corey Schwab about 8 months later at the Meadowlands. Steve Levy had the highlights on SportsCenter.

Also on this date: (1982)  - Mike Bossy scored four goals, giving him 6162 on the season, including three power play tallies as the Isles crushed Washington 8-1.  All three of Bossy’s power play goals came in the second period. 

With thanks to http://trottiertobossy.tumblr.com/, here's some highlights with Marv Albert (NBC) and Spencer Christian (ABC).

Also on this date: (2004) – Rick DiPietro recorded 17 saves for his 2^nd consecutive shutout as the Isles blanked Washington 3-0.Roman Hamrlik, Adrian Aucoin and Alexi Yashin had the goals for the Islanders.

Also on this date: (2014) - Evgeni Nabokov made 41 saves for his third shutout of the season and 58^th of his career as the Islanders blanked Columbus 2-0.  Cal Clutterbuck and Travis Hamonic scored for the Islanders.

Here's Nabby with Stan from our post-game show:

All-time, the Isles have played nine March 23rd games at the Coliseum and finish with a 6-1-2 record. allowing just ten total goals, on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.