Halloween arrived one day late for the New York City area’s three hockey teams, as each suffered different but serious letdowns last night:

- The Rangers, after keeping a lid on the Maple Leafs for 53 minutes, collapsed in spectacular fashion by coughing up five goals in five minutes to lose 5-2 in Toronto.

- Simultaneously, the Islanders took a 4-1 lead over Montreal before surrendering four goals in the third to lose 5-4 to the Canadiens.

- Finally, in New Jersey, a 6-1 win over the Thrashers was obscured by an injury to Martin Brodeur that took him out of the game.

I can’t remember another instance of concurrent disasters striking three teams in such close geographical proximity. Probably a first for the NHL.

Blowing a big lead is nothing new for the Isles, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Devils cope without Brodeur doing his usual every-night start. All I really care about is the Rangers, who I’m hoping can bounce back from their debacle without serving up a multi-game losing streak first.