It Happened at the Coliseum … on APRIL 16th

28 years ago tonight (1987) - Without a win in game 6, there never would have been an Easter Epic

.

Pat LaFontaine (remember that name) and Mikko Makela combined for three goals in a 4:56 span of the second period as the Isles rallied from a 3-2 deficit for a 5-4 win over the Capitals to even the best-of-7 series at 3 games each.

The Isles dominated the first period, outshooting Washington 20-7 and grabbing a 2-0 lead on goals by Bryan Trottier and Duane Sutter.

However the Caps struck for three goals in a 5:05 span of the second period to grab a 3-2 lead.

Thus the Isles hit the game’s midpoint trailing 3-2 in both the game and the series.  LaFontaine got the Isles even at 11:31 of the second, with his 2^nd goal of the season; Mikko Makela gave the Isles a 4-3 lead at 14:27, set up by LaFontaine and Patty got what turned out to be the game winning goal exactly two minutes later.  LaFontaine and Makela had three points in the period, tying the club record with many others.

Kelly Miller brought the Caps within one with an unassisted tally at 6:19, but Washington could draw no closer as the Isles evened the series.

Kelly Hrudey made 23 saves for the Isles-- two night later he would be a lot busier, as the Isles eliminated the Caps in four overtimes in a game that could only be described as Epic.

Here's most of the overtime of the Epic -- with Jiggs and Eddie on the call.

Also on this date: (1979) Mike Bossy recorded the first of his 5 career playoff hat tricks as the Isles pounded Chicago 6-2.

Marv Albert has the highlights on NewsCenter 4.

Also on this date: (1981) In the first-ever playoff meeting with Edmonton, the Isles taught 99 and friends a lesson with an 8-2 whipping.  Clark Gillies and Denis Potvin each scored twice; Butch Goring, who was on his way to the Conn Smythe Trophy, scored a power play goal and added assists both on the power play and while shorthanded.

I have found only one highlight -- and it's a fight.  The legendary Danny Gallivan is on the call for Hockey Night.
.

Also on this date: (1982) Duane Sutter scored twice as the Isles pounded the Rangers 7-2 to even the series at 1 game each.

All-time, the Isles have played four regular season and six playoff games on April 16th at the Coliseum; they have compiled a 3-1-0 regular season and 4-2 playoff record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.