The Islanders (19-20-7), who moved within six points of the surging Blue Jackets with their second straight win, improved to 2-2-0 on their seven-game homestand, which continues Friday night against the Flyers. The downer was top-pair defenseman Noah Dobson exiting at 1:16 of the third period with what appeared to be a leg injury.

The New York Islanders shocked Long Island by winning two in a row, with the Bo Horvat-Mat Barzal connection powering a 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night. The victory brings the Isles to 2-2 on this seven-game homestand and keeps the Blue Jackets — who are still six points higher — out of the second wild card spot.

The New York Islanders (19-20-7) took over a second straight game in the second period, bowling over the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-18-7). The game finished X-1, with Bo Horvat’s second-period pair lifting the Islanders to the win.

Horvat's two goals in a dominating three-goal second period for the Islanders leave Blue Jackets scuffling with back-to-back defeats.

Backed by Sorokin's 25 saves, the Islanders defeated the Blue Jackets 3-1 in a key divisional matchup. ELMONT NY -- Desperate to stay in the playoff race, the New York Islanders defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 3-1 at UBS Arena Monday night.

The Isles scored a 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at UBS Arena, closing the gap from eight points to six against a team that started the day in the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were hoping to leave New York with a split. The Islanders ensured that things didn’t go according to plan. Bo Horvat scored two goals and Iyla Sorokin made 25 saves to lift the Islanders to an important 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets on Monday night at UBS Arena.

This was the sort of effort which, if the Islanders could replicate it consistently, makes them look like a playoff contender.