Islanders' Quick Start Propels Win Over Flames

Three-goal first period powers Islanders to 3-2 victory at home

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:04am

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The New York Islanders got off to a fast start, scoring three goals in the first period to defeat the Calgary Flames 3-2 at UBS Arena. Simon Holmstrom scored twice in the opening frame, while Casey Cizikas added another goal to give the Islanders a comfortable lead. The Flames made a late push, but the Islanders held on for the victory.

Why it matters

The Islanders have struggled with slow starts following the Olympic break, so this quick-strike offense in the first period was an important step in establishing control of the game. The win also keeps the Islanders in the thick of the Metropolitan Division playoff race, as they continue to chase a postseason berth.

The details

The Islanders came out flying, scoring three goals in the first period to take a commanding lead. Simon Holmstrom scored twice, with his first goal coming on a feed from Brayden Schenn and his second being a shorthanded tally assisted by Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Casey Cizikas also found the back of the net early in the opening frame to make it 3-0. The Flames made a late push, with Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman scoring in the third period, but the Islanders were able to hold on for the victory.

  • The Islanders scored three goals in the first period.
  • Mikael Backlund scored for the Flames 2:17 into the third period to make it 3-1.
  • Blake Coleman scored for the Flames at the 8:28 mark of the third period to make it 3-2.

The players

Simon Holmstrom

An Islanders forward who scored two goals in the first period to give his team an early lead.

Casey Cizikas

An Islanders forward who scored the opening goal of the game in the first period.

Mikael Backlund

A Flames forward who scored a goal in the third period to cut the Islanders' lead to 3-1.

Blake Coleman

A Flames forward who scored a goal in the third period to make it a one-goal game at 3-2.

Devin Cooley

The Flames' starting goaltender who was replaced by Dustin Wolf after allowing three first-period goals.

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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)

What’s next

The Islanders will look to build on this win when they take on the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Tuesday night.

The takeaway

The Islanders' ability to jump out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first period proved to be the difference in this game, as they were able to hold off a late Flames comeback attempt. This performance shows the Islanders can play with a lead, which will be crucial as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the tight Metropolitan Division race.