Tkachuk’s Goal Carries Coyotes

Keith Tkachuk, who missed two consecutive games because of a groin strain, scored a power-play goal with 5:20 remaining to help give the Phoenix Coyotes a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday at Phoenix.

“We make no bones about it. He’s our best player,” said Phoenix Coach Jim Schoenfeld, whose Coyotes lost both games they played without their captain. “He’s such a strong leader that we don’t only miss him on the ice when he’s out but we also miss him in the locker room.”

Tkachuk’s return helped Phoenix remain unbeaten in its last 11 home games (10-0-1). Greg Adams had a goal and an assist and Juha Ylonen and Bob Corkum added goals for the Coyotes.

Mark Lawrence scored his first career goal and Eric Brewer added another score for the Islanders, who had their three-game unbeaten string stopped.

Dallas 3, Ottawa 2--Tony Hrkac scored a late goal in the second period and Roman Turek stopped 27 shots to remain undefeated this season in the Stars’ victory at Kanata, Canada.

“This is the way he’s played every game,” Dallas Coach Ken Hitchcock said of Turek, the backup to Ed Belfour. “He’s been very sound. This wasn’t anything special. We knew how difficult the game was going to be. We wanted to give him a quality start.”

Turek (4-0-2) helped the Stars extend their unbeaten streak to eight games (6-0-2). Dallas has lost only one of its last 10 road games (7-1-2). Joe Nieuwendyk and Mike Keane also scored for the Stars.

Ottawa’s goals were scored by Alexei Yashin and Andreas Johansson.

Tampa Bay 2, Philadelphia 2--Wendel Clark scored his 15th goal at 10:39 of the third period to give the Lightning a tie at Philadelphia.

Chris Gratton, making his first appearance against his former team since being traded to Tampa Bay on Dec. 12, had an assist on Clark’s goal. Sandy McCarthy also scored for Tampa Bay, which had lost 14 of 16 games.

Rod Brind’Amour and John LeClair scored for the Flyers, who extended their unbeaten streak to five (2-0-3).