Holmstrom scores 2 as Islanders race to early lead, beat Flames 3-2

New York Islanders defenseman Simon Holmstrom had two goals in the win over the Calgary Flames.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:49am

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Simon Holmstrom scored twice and the New York Islanders raced to an early 3-0 lead before holding on to beat the Calgary Flames 3-2 on Saturday. Casey Cizikas also scored for the Islanders, who won for the third time in four games. Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman scored for the Flames, who have lost six of their last eight games.

Why it matters

The win helps the Islanders maintain their position in the playoff race, while the loss is another setback for the struggling Flames as they try to turn their season around.

The details

Holmstrom gave the Islanders a 2-0 lead with his first goal in the first period, collecting a pass from Luke Schenn and scoring on a shot over the goalie's blocker. Holmstrom then scored a short-handed goal in the final minute of the first period to make it 3-0. Backlund and Coleman scored in the third period to pull the Flames within one, but the Islanders held on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Holmstrom scored his first goal at 16:35 of the first period.
  • Holmstrom scored his short-handed goal in the final minute of the first period.
  • Backlund and Coleman scored for the Flames during a 6:11 stretch of the third period.

The players

Simon Holmstrom

An Islanders defenseman who scored two goals in the game.

Casey Cizikas

An Islanders center who also scored a goal in the game.

David Rittich

The Islanders goaltender who made 30 saves in the win.

Mikael Backlund

A Flames center who scored one of Calgary's two goals.

Blake Coleman

A Flames forward who scored the other goal for Calgary.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game was an important win for the Islanders as they continue to battle for a playoff spot, while the Flames' struggles continue as they try to turn their season around.