It was so sensational, it may have brought a tear of joy to Islander GM Mike Milbury’s eye.
Goalie Felix Potvin was “The Cat” and “The Man” last night for the Islanders. Returning from his long-ago groin injury, Potvin gave a wonderful glimpse of what he could be for the Isles next season when their playoff hopes rests entirely on his shoulders.
Making his first start since Feb. 12, Potvin was as spectacular as the Meadowlands’ night was unbelievable. Nobody could have predicted a rusty Potvin would make a career-high 55 saves against the Devils that tied a franchise record and stole for the Isles a 4-2 victory.
“I certainly tested the groin today,” said Potvin, whose previous high was 51 in 1997 vs. L.A. “It was fine all night.”
No kidding. For one night, it was not chic to bash the events of Jan. 9 when Milbury pulled off one of the most heavily criticized trades in recent NHL history, wheeling Bryan Berard for Potvin. “The Cat” played like a dog before his groin injury, going 1-6-1 with a 3.95 G.A.A., fueling the furor. In just his 10th game as an Isle, he’s now in the team record books, tying Billy Smith’s 55-save night, posted during the expansion season of 1972-73.
“It’s just nice to see good things happen to people who work hard,” coach Bill Stewart said.
And in another development that loosened the noose around Milbury’s neck, the struggling Dmitri Nabokov added two assists, including a nifty play on what turned into the game-winner with 11:54 remaining. Playing his fourth game in four days, he skated around Sheldon Souray before dishing to Mike Watt.
But this night belonged to “The Cat.” Three minutes in, Potvin denied Patrik Elias on a breakaway. “That first shot – the breakaway – was big,” Potvin said. “It might’ve been a different story if he scored.”
There was apprehension about bringing Potvin back for these final three games. The Isles didn’t want to risk another injury nor a bombing behind a defense that could have further ruined his confidence. Potvin stopped 19 shots in the first and 40 saves entering the third. “In my head, I was always coming back,” Potvin said. “This is a definite bonus – a game like this. No doubt it would’ve been disappointing to lose that game.”
