"At least it wasn't a losing streak that kept the fans at home. Only 3,136 were on hand at Nassau Coliseum to see the Islanders earn their third straight win - a 4-1 victory over Montreal - after Mother Nature intervened yesterday. A post-Christmas blizzard that arrived late Sunday morning made driving conditions treacherous and the game a low priority among Long Island residents. But last night's Islanders-Canadiens game went on as scheduled despite the conditions - heavy snowfall, strong winds, low visibility. Why? According to multiple sources, the Islanders' request for postponement ultimately was overruled by the league. Chief Deputy County Executive Rob Walker told Newsday that he discussed the situation with NHL executive Colin Campbell Sunday and advised him to postpone the game. "The most important thing for us is to ensure that roads are passable for public safety,'' Walker said. "We asked Nassau County residents to stay home unless it was an emergency. To have people out of their homes at 7 p.m. didn't feel prudent at this time. [Campbell] said he understood the issues and would have to discuss the situation with ." Traditionally, the league decides to postpone a game based on the recommendation of the home team, but it decided otherwise this time. Although the league declined to comment for this story, it is believed the ruling was based upon the fact that both teams arrived safely and were available to play and because no state of emergency was declared for Nassau County. "Both teams are here, officials are here and that's why we're playing," Islanders director of communication Kimber Auerbach said. Before the snow began hitting the area early Sunday afternoon, the teams arrived at the rink with no complications. Aided by a 38-save performance from Dwayne Roloson, the Islanders gave the few fans willing to brave the storm a good show. P.A. Parenteau and James Wisniewski scored power-play goals in the third period. Frans Nielsen had two assists and Blake Comeau and Michael Grabner also scored to help the Islanders earn a third straight win for the second time this season. Tomas Plekanec spoiled Roloson's shutout at 7:51 of the third." Read more: http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-canadiens-goes-on-as-scheduled-1.2570403
