Senators 3, Islanders 2: Tkachuk’s late winner sinks Isles

OTTAWA, CANADA - MARCH 19: Warren Foegele #37 of the Ottawa Senators controls the puck against Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders during the third period on March 19, 2026 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images This one suuuucks. Brady Tkachuk’s goal with 11 seconds left was a gut punch, but the Islanders squandered two leads, going up in the second period thanks to Matthew Schaefer, and then again early in the third thanks to Brayden Schenn.

But Schenn’s goal was the ONLY SHOT ON GOAL FOR THE ISLANDERS IN THE THIRD PERIOD. Let me repeat that: Brayden Schenn’s goal was the only shot on goal for the Islanders in the third period. The Senators were on a back to back but came out with a dominant third period, and got rewarded with two points.

And since the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings won their games, the loss knocked the Islanders out of a playoff spot. Bad vibes all around, especially for all the yapping about setting the tone early with two fights. [ NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick ] First Period As I just mentioned, there were two fights early, with Anders Lee and Brady Tkachuk dropping the gloves right off the opening faceoff.

Shortly after, Brayden Schenn took on Ridley Greig and Greig did his best to hang on against a much bigger guy like Schenn. And then Dylan Cozens took a roughing penalty after taking off Matthew Schaefer’s helmet, but the Islanders couldn’t convert on the man advantage. Ilya Sorokin was strong this period, and made a notable save on a wraparound attempt, but Carson Soucy earned what could have been the save of the game, stopping a sure goal with his skate.