So much history, including when there was Rangers Don Maloney's late tying goal, which the Isles argued came as a result of a high stick. (The ref called it legal.)

A few days ago, NHL.com ran a story that I had written called "The Ten Top Moments In Rangers-Islanders History.

It was assigned with the upcoming Sunday Outdoor Classic in mind. As you know, it will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the Giants normally play their NFL games.

One of the games I selected in my "Top Ten" yarn was the 1984 playoff gem in the best-of-five series between the Herb Brooks' coached Blueshirts and Al Arbour's four-time champion Nassaumen.

Many critics have dubbed the deciding Game Five -- in the Isles "Drive For Five!" -- one of the greatest hockey games ever played; and I agree. So, what's my point? Simply this: There was so much to write about that it was inevitable that I'd omit a couple of good points.

One of my buddies -- and former editor at NHL.com -- John Kreiser, pointed out two key omissions. Before defenseman Ken Morrow scored the winning goal, the Rangers came within inches of taking the game. I had pointed out a previous save by goalie Bill Smith but Kreider -- correctly, I might add -- suggested yet another Smitty save.

"Morrow's goal," Kreiser notes, "came on the return rush after Smith stoned Bob Brooke, who was in alone. Were it not for the great save, the Rangers would have been the winners."

How true; how true. Then there was Ranger Don Maloney's late tying goal which the Isles argued came as a result of a high stick. (The ref called it legal.)

Kreiser: "The late Lou Friedman and I were talking to Don Maloney after he had become GM of the Islanders. We brought up the "high stick goal," and Donny smiled and kind of indicated that by today's rules, it would have been washed out."

Or, as William Shakespeare wrote: "There is much virtue in IF."

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