Kings 3, Islanders 2: Comeback Falls Short

Islanders unable to erase early 3-0 deficit against the Kings

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Islanders fell behind 3-0 early against the Los Angeles Kings but were unable to complete the comeback, losing 3-2. The Islanders outshot the Kings 11-4 in the third period and had a late 6-on-4 opportunity but couldn't find the equalizer.

Why it matters

This was the second loss to the Kings in eight days for the Islanders, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race. The Islanders' inability to overcome early deficits has been an issue this season.

The details

The Kings jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, with the third goal coming on a rare turnover by Islanders forward Matthew Schafer. The Islanders were able to cut the deficit to 3-2 in the second and third periods on goals by Emil Heineman, but they couldn't find the tying goal despite outshooting the Kings 11-4 in the final frame.

  • The Kings took a 3-0 lead in the first period.
  • Heineman scored in the second period to make it 3-1.
  • Heineman scored again early in the third period to make it 3-2.
  • The Islanders had a 6-on-4 opportunity in the final seconds but were unable to score the equalizer.

The players

Matthew Schafer

An Islanders forward who made a rare turnover that led to the Kings' third goal.

Mat Barzal

An Islanders forward who was reunited with Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman on the top line.

Emil Heineman

An Islanders forward who scored two goals to bring the Islanders back within one.

Anze Kopitar

A Kings forward who scored a goal, moving him one point away from tying the franchise scoring record.

Scott Laughton

An Islanders forward who took two late penalties trying to prevent an Islanders equalizer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We haven't seen that happen too often, which is a big reason he has license to try things, but it was a damaging nail late in the first.”

— Dominik, Author

What’s next

The Islanders will host the Calgary Flames in their next game, with David Rittich expected to start in goal instead of Ilya Sorokin.

The takeaway

The Islanders' inability to overcome early deficits has been an issue this season, and this loss to the Kings highlights the need for the team to start games stronger in order to keep pace in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.