Tkachuk scores 2 in 3rd to rally Flames past Islanders, 3-2
NEW YORK — Matthew Tkachuk leaped into the air and hugged Travis Hamonic after scoring the tiebreaking goal late in the third period.
Tkachuk’s second in less than 9 1/2 minutes came with 1:05 left and lifted the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday night.
“It’s always fun to put the puck in the net, especially tonight,” said Tkachuk, who scored his 19th and 20th goals of the season in the win. “I was obviously so pumped to get the third goal there. I was just really happy because you think (after that) basically you play good defence and you get the win. That’s why you’re really excited.”
Mark Jankowski also scored as the Flames pulled into a tie with Minnesota for the second wild card in the Western Conference. Mike Smith made 23 saves before leaving due to an injury with 2 seconds remaining, and David Rittich came on to close the game.