1982 Playoffs game 1 Rangers at Islanders

In 1982, the Islanders were at the peak of their dynasty. Prior to this game, they were on an amazing 26 game home unbeaten streak (24 wins & 2 ties), including three wins at home over the Penguins in the first playoff round. But the Rangers, who had a better record on the road that at home that season, were able to snap that streak (just barely) with an exciting 5-4 win. Most of the scoring was in the first period, ending in a 3-3 tie. Ed Mio was then pulled by Herb Brooks in favor of Steve Weeks for periods two & three, which turned out to be the right move as he only allowed one goal. Reijo Ruotsalainen broke a 4-4 tie late in the third, and Weeks made a huge save in the final seconds to preserve the win. The Rangers caught a break from the referee, who allowed a trip of Ken Morrow to go uncalled just before the winning goal. There was also a brief line brawl in the third period, started with Duane Sutter and Steve Weeks. See it at 1:27:15. This is a near complete Islander Sportschannel broadcast. No Ranger feed of this game exists as SC had exclusive rights to Islander home games, unlike in 1979. The Islanders would win the series in six games, losing just game five at home, but winning all three games at MSG. Not a good year for Ranger season ticket holders! All copyrights reserved by the NHL. Posted for historical and nostalgic reasons only.