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.
Bo Horvat scored twice in New York’s three-goal second period, and the Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1.
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.
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.
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 the second period Monday night for the host New York Islanders, who beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in Elmont, N.Y. Simon Holmstrom's short-handed goal in the second proved to be the game-winner for the Islanders,
The Isles are 8-5-7 in games decided by a single goal including 4-5 in regulation. They are 2-6 in games decided in overtime and are 2-1 in shootouts. The Isles are 3-8 in games in which an empty-net goal turns a 1-goal game into a 2-goal game.
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.
Yes, his most recent former coach opined, it was surprising that it took controversial defenseman Tony DeAngelo, who made his Islanders debut on Saturday night, this long to find a new job in the NHL.
As of late last week the Vancouver Canucks haven’t really been impressed with the trade offers they been receiving for forward J.T. Miller, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if there is more Elias Pettersson trade speculation.
There’s no way to keep them down. Then, Marc Gatcomb threw a couple of big hits. Jean-Gabriel Pageau dropped the gloves and drew an extra penalty on Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Right after the power ...