It Happened at the Coliseum … on APRIL 26th

John Davidson

36 years ago tonight (1979) The upset-minded Rangers came to Coliseum and earned a 4-1 win over the Islanders in game 1 of what would become the last series the Isles would lose for 5 years.

Bryan Trottier gave the Isles a 1-0 lead by goals by Don Murdoch and Eddie Johnstone turned the game the Rangers’ way before the first period was over.

The Rangers got second period goals from both Ron Duguay and Bobby Sheehan; John Davidson needed to make only 21 saves for the Rangers, who out-shot the Isles 28-11 in the first two periods and 38-22 in the game.

Also on this date: (1987) Tim Kerr scored two goals and added an assist as the Isles fell 6-4 to Philadelphia in Game 4 of the Patrick Division finals.  The Flyers erased three different one-goal Islander leads enroute to the victory; Bryan Trottier had a goal and an assist for the Isles, who now trailed the series 3 games to 1.

All-time, the Isles have played no regular season and two playoff games on April 26th at the Coliseum; they have compiled an 0-2 playoff record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.