Islanders can't escape from 3-1 first-period hole in loss to Flames

CALGARY, Alberta — It was another loss after another sluggish first period on a lost road trip highlighted by the surprising loss of Mathew Barzal, their top playmaker.

Bad night. Bad week for the Islanders.

Barzal was a late scratch with a lower-body injury and the Islanders lost to the Flames, 4-1, on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena to conclude a 1-3-0 western trip.