It Happened at the Coliseum … on APRIL 9th

25 years ago tonight (1990) – Brent Sutter scored 59 seconds into the second overtime as the Islanders climbed back into their first round series with the Rangers with a 4-3 win in game 3.

Sutter’s second goal of the game, on the power play, ended the longest game ever between the Isles and Rangers.  It was the first-ever multiple overtime game on Coliseum ice and remains the third-longest game ever played on Long Island. (Ferraro/Washington 4/24/93 25:40 is the longest).

Sutter had given the Islanders a 1-0 lead before the game was 2 minutes old but Troy Mallette (remember that name) tied it 5 minutes later.   The Rangers seized control of the contest when James Patrick and Bernie Nicholls scored 81 seconds apart in the second period, but Pat Flatley and Hubie McDonough did the same for the Isles in an 82 second span of the 3^rd.

Here's McDonough's goal (just video, no play by play)

That set up a scoreless first overtime, but with just 8 seconds remaining in the first extra session, Mallette was ejected after being given a major for boarding, leading to the winning tally, which was the third for the Isles on the power play in the game.  

Here's the winning goal:

Future Rangers Glenn Healy stopped 34 shots for the Isles, while future Islander John Vanbiesbrouck was even busier, stopping 45 Isles shots.

It was the Isles 7^th straight home overtime win and raised the all-time overtime record at Fort Neverlose to an almost incomprehensible 12-2.

The Rangers would go on to win the series in 5 games, and that 5^th game has recently been featured on the MSG Vault.  In that broadcast, Sam Rosen and Phil Esposito note that Pat Lafontaine, who had been injured in the series opener was back in the Isles lineup after his concussion.  One only wonders if the Rangers had won this series in four, would Patty’s health been a lot better?  Knowing what we know today, he would not have been back in the Isles lineup that night.

One other (personal) note – this game was played on the First Night of Passover – while I worked on our SportsChannel broadcast, my future wife went to the Seder …with my family.  We’ll be married 25 years this summer!

Also on this date: (2013) - Michael Grabner scored the game-winning goal late in the second period and with the crowd chanting "We Want Playoffs" ,the Islanders added two late third period goals improved to 7-1-1-in their last 9 games as they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1. The win moved the Isles into 7th place in the East, tied in points with sixth place Ottawa and two points ahead of the eighth place Rangers. 

Maybe this highlight will make the Isles just slightly better.. it's Matt Martin vs. Tuesday's winning goal scorer, Brayden Schenn. Here's Howie and Butch on the call:

And here's the crowd, capped off by a Cizikas goal!

All-time, the Isles have played two regular season and three playoff games on April 9th at the Coliseum; they have compiled a 2-0-0 regular season and 2-1 playoff record on this date at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.