The Chicago Blackhawks came into the Coliseum on an eight game winning streak, the Islanders had a three game losing streak. It was obvious one streak would be ended on the Coliseum ice. Luckily, it was the Isles streak that would be broken as the Isles won their 20th game of the season in what was one of their best games of the season so far.

Entertaining, edge of your seat excitement. To beat the Blackhawks 3-2 was an achievement, to do it in the Coliseum was just extra special.


Butch Goring commented that Reinhart was “notable” this game, not just because of his physicality, but the quality of his play. He was on the ice for 16:22 and had four hits out of the Isles 42. Matt Martin had seven of them, including one on Rozival that almost sent him back to Thursday. No call, no problem.

It wasn’t until the second period that the Blackhawks scored first when Daniel Carcillo scored on Halak while the man of the hour, Clark Gillies, was being interviewed by Howie and Butch in the booth. There was audible disappointment, but it didn’t last long. Cal Clutterbuck managed a goal just six seconds later. The coliseum erupted.

The third period began and it was hold your breath time. End to end action, but it only took Patrick Kane 3:46 to put the Blackhawks back on top. But rather than collapsing into failure, the Islanders, on home ice, rallied and skated, and skated, and took as many shots as they could. Kris Versteeg made the mistake of high-sticking John Tavares. For that, he got to sit in the box and watch Kyle Okposo score on Scott Darling from his knees. An assist point for John Tavares was payback.

It took less than a minute for Visnovsky to score and give the Isles their first lead of the game. Ryan Strome would have had the game winning empty netter, had the puck not hit the post. But the Isles held on for the win as the fans were on their feet.

Michael Grabner played a team low .amount of ice time. That’s okay. Everyone gets a turn. Hopefully, it will be Boychuk’s turn by Monday.


Sideboard: Cory Conacher cleared waivers and was loaned to Bridgeport.

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