Size, strength, experience and skill on faceoffs gave the Islanders a decided edge over the Blue Jackets: 3 takeways

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

Kent Johnson scored for the Blue Jackets (22-18-7), who had their seven-game point streak end (6-0-1). Elvis Merzlikins made 22 saves.

Holmstrom buried a one-time feed from Jean-Gabriel Pageau short-handed at 2:57 after Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski lost an edge and turned the puck over at the Columbus blue line.

Bo Horvat scored twice in New York’s three-goal second period, and the Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1.

Final Thoughts: The Islanders last faced the Blue Jackets on Oct. 30, when they were shut out 2-0. That was the game in which Mathew Barzal suffered his long-term upper-body injury. The gap between the Islanders and Columbus is eight points right now.

Bo Horvat scored twice in the second period Monday night for the host New York Islanders, who beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in Elmont, N.Y.

Holmstrom buried a one-time feed from Jean-Gabriel Pageau short-handed at 2:57 after Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski lost an edge and turned the puck over at the Columbus blue line.

Bo Horvat scored twice in New York’s three-goal second period, and the Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 on Monday night. Simon Holmstrom also scored and Mathew

ELMONT, N.Y. -- Bo Horvat scored twice for the New York Islanders in a 3-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at UBS Arena on Monday. Simon Holmstrom also scored, and Mathew Barzal had two assists for the Islanders (19-20-7), who have won two straight. Ilya Sorokin made 25 saves.

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.

Bo Horvat scored twice in New York’s three-goal second period, and the Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 on Monday night.