Jesse Joensuu scored a goal in his National Hockey League debut, helping the New York Islanders to a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at the Nassau Coliseum on Monday night.
The 21-year-old Joensuu was a second-round draft choice by the Islanders in 2006. In 56 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this season, he has recorded 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points. He also owns a plus-20 rating, good for second among all AHL rookies.
Joensuu broke a 1-1 tie by beating Andrew Raycroft at the 2:31 mark of the second period, giving the Islanders a lead they would not relinquish. Defenseman Joe Callahan recorded an assist on the goal for his first career NHL point.
Joensuu is the 16th player to skate for both the Islanders and the Sound Tigers this season.
