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Happy Friday the 13th Islander fans! This is a brief history of how the date ties into Islanders history.
The franchise does not have a paraskevidekatriaphobia, it's record all-time on Friday the 13th, including playoffs, is 6-3-1.
Players stayed away from the number 13 until 1997 when Claude LaPointe wore it until 2003. Bill Guerin, Rob Schremp, Colin McDonald and finally Mathew Barzal followed. Lapointe scored 76 goals wearing number 13, leading all players.
Going up to jersey number 39 (13 multiplied by 3), the number 13 has been worn by the fewest amount of players, not counting retired numbers.
The 13th captain in team history? That honor goes to newly unemployed Mark Strait, who replaced current head coach Doug Weight.
Speaking of head coaches, Ted Nolan, who led the 13-less Islanders to the 2007 Islanders was the 13th in team history.
What's Friday the 13th without Jason! Nine Jasons have suited up for the Islanders, Jason Chimera is the latest. Jason Blake was the most successful. The others (Jason Dawe, Jason Holland, Jason Korg, Jason Podollan, Jason Simon, Jason Strudwick and lastly Jason Wiemer, had little impact. None wore number 13 nor wore a goalie mask.
The goalie carousel will continue tomorrow night as Thomas Greiss will start against San Jose. Cal Clutterbuck will likely play tomorrow night. He could replace Jordan Eberle, who took a hard hit in practice. He could be out tomorrow or he could play. The old questionable status.
We could finally see Ryan Pulock or we may not. Who knows. Weight said that he's very pleased with the current six. Not sure what he's been watching.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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