Islanders Collapse After Building Two-Goal Leads Against Penguins

Islanders blow multiple leads in embarrassing home loss, putting playoff position in jeopardy

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:04am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes in the Islanders' blue and orange colors and the Penguins' black and gold, conveying the chaotic nature of the Islanders' defensive breakdown.The Islanders' inability to protect multiple-goal leads against the Penguins resulted in an embarrassing home collapse that jeopardizes their playoff positioning.Elmont Today

The New York Islanders surrendered a pair of two-goal leads and allowed seven unanswered goals in an 8-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at UBS Arena on Monday night. The collapse led to Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin being pulled for just the second time this season, as the Islanders gave up their most goals in a game this year and missed a crucial opportunity to gain ground in the playoff race.

Why it matters

The loss was a major setback for the Islanders, who remain just one point ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With Ottawa just three points behind and holding two games in hand, the Islanders' playoff positioning is now in serious jeopardy following this embarrassing collapse at home.

The details

The Islanders had built 1-0 and 3-1 leads in the second period, with goals from Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal, as well as a tally from Brayden Schenn. However, the Islanders' defense fell apart, allowing the Penguins to score seven unanswered goals, including a short-handed goal from Rickard Rakell, a one-timer from Ryan Shea, and two goals from Anthony Mantha. Sorokin was pulled after allowing seven goals on 26 shots, and backup David Rittich allowed the final goal of the game.

  • The Islanders built a 1-0 lead early in the second period.
  • The Islanders extended their lead to 3-1 midway through the second period.
  • The Penguins scored seven unanswered goals over the final 16 minutes of the second period and throughout the third period.

The players

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' starting goaltender, who was pulled from the game after allowing seven goals on 26 shots.

Anders Lee

The Islanders' captain, who scored the game's first goal to give the team a 1-0 lead.

Mathew Barzal

The Islanders' star center, who scored a goal and recorded an assist to help the team build a 3-1 lead.

Brayden Schenn

The Islanders' trade deadline acquisition, who scored a goal to put the team up 3-1.

Rickard Rakell

The Penguins' forward, who scored a short-handed goal to start the Penguins' comeback.

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What they’re saying

“We had them on the ropes and just let it slip away. That's a tough one to swallow.”

— Anders Lee, Islanders Captain

“We've got to find a way to close out games like that. That's not the kind of effort that's going to get us into the playoffs.”

— Mathew Barzal, Islanders Center

What’s next

The Islanders will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to Buffalo to face the Sabres on Tuesday night. With just seven games remaining in the regular season, the Islanders need to find a way to secure their playoff position.

The takeaway

This collapse at home against a divisional rival is a major setback for the Islanders, who are now in serious danger of missing the playoffs entirely. The team's defensive breakdowns and inability to protect multiple-goal leads will need to be addressed if they hope to turn things around and secure a postseason berth.