Stat Trick: New York Islanders 4, New Jersey Devils 2

Jon Sim and Mark Streit scored 50 seconds apart in the second period as the Isles broke open a tied game and went on to defeat the Devils 4-2 on a rainy Saturday night at the Coliseum.  On to the trick:

1. The first 12 minutes were all Devils, as New Jersey had 11 of the game's first 12 shots..  Mike Mottau scored three minutes in to give New Jersey the lead.  It was his second goal of the season; both goals have come against the Isles.  Freddy Meyer tied the fame late in the first period to get the Isles into the first intermission even at 1-1.

2. The Isles dominated play through most of the second period and scored twice in 50 seconds late in the frame to take the lead.  Both Sim and Stret scored their tenth goals of the season, giving the Isles seven players with at least 10 goals.  Eight of Streit's goals gave come on the power play; among NHL defensemen, only Mike Green has more power play goals (9).

3. Ilya Kovalachuk blew one past Dwayne Roloson to get the Devils within one goal early in the third period, but it was a  msitake by Kovalchulk at the point that gave the Isles the final margin. 

Kovalchuk couldn't keep the puck in, fell down, and the led to Sean Bergenheim scoring his first goal since January 16 midway through the third.  It was Bergenheim's second shorthanded goal of the season; seven of his 36 career goals have come shorthanded.

...a few more..

4. Roloson made 38 saves to record his first career victory (1-6-2) against the Devils.  Roloson, who had not faced New Jersey since 2003, recorded his 21st victory of the season.  He has now beaten every team but Buffalo in his NHL career.  Yann Danis suffered his second loss of the season (3-2-0) and finished with 25 saves.

5. The Isles were credited with 44 hits, a season high.  It's the most hits that they have had since also having 44 against Tampa on April 4, 2009. Sim led the team with six hits; Bergenheim and Jeff Tambellini each had five. 

6.  Special teams were a big part of the story. The Isles connected on the power play for the third straight home game.  It's the first time they have done in over a year, last doing so in four straight games from January 19, February 3, 2009. 

The Isles also killed off 5:11 of continuous power play in the third period, including a 49 second 5-on-3.  In all, the Isles killed all four Devil power plays; it's the first time in seven games that they have not allowed a power play goal. 

7. Richard Park won eight of 12 face-offs, and assisted on Sim's goal.  All but one of his 16 assists have come at even-strength.  He has seven more even-strength assists than John Tavares and it four helpers shy of matching his career high of 20. 

8. Zach Parise and Brian Rolston each had eight shots on goal but the Isles held both players off the scoreboard.  Fomer Islander Dean McAmmond assisted on both New Jersey goals. 

9. The Devils had 11 shots in the first 12 minutes and 21 shots in the third period, but only eight shots in the 28 minutes in between. 

10.  The Isles beat New Jesery for the seocnd time in three tries at home this season; they are 0-2 in New Jersey with one trip remaining on April 10.  The Isles are 4-12 in the three home games against New Jersey this season. 

Up next: The Leafs visit on Sunday at 5 pm.  The Isles have taken two of the three games this season from Toronto.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick