The crazy thing is that rookie Michael Dal Colle wasn’t supposed to be in the Islanders’ lineup for Thursday night’s 4-1 win over the Devils at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum.
Coach Barry Trotz said he was planning on re-inserting Tom Kuhnhackl, who has played onlyt twice since Dec. 6, back onto the third line in Dal Colle’s spot.
Instead, Kuhnhackl reported sick and Trotz stuck with Dal Colle, who rewarded the Islanders with his first NHL goal in his 14th NHL game.
“It feels awesome,” said Dal Colle, 22, the fifth overall pick in 2014. “Words can’t really describe the feeling.