Simon Holmstrom's short-handed goal in the second proved to be the game-winner for the Islanders, who have won two straight to improve to 2-2-0 on a season-high seven-game homestand. New York (45 points) is within seven points of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

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. Barzal then set up Horvat for a power-play goal to end the barrage.

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 on Monday night.

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. Barzal then set up Horvat for a power-play goal to end the barrage.

Yet, they were the ones to find the net. Following a Zach Werenski turnover in the neutral zone, Jean-Gabriel Pageau collected the loose puck and started an odd-man rush alongside Simon Holmstrom.

But them’s the breaks. “Seems like a nice guy,” Jean-Gabriel Pageau said before the game. “He was a pain in the ass to play against. But it’s good to have on our side. He’s got some ...

The fantasy schedule is going to get weird in another week or two, so keep an eye on your lineup and ranking decisions. With the 4 Nations Face-Off coming up, we have only one more "normal" full ...

who stopped Bo Horvat and Jean-Gabriel Pageau on breakaways with two poke checks. Islanders captain Anders Lee (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-tying goal in the third perio ...

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 ...

Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Center – New York Islanders – Contract: 1 year remaining, $5 million AAV 18. Justin Brazeau – Right Wing – Boston Bruins – Contract: Pending UFA, $775,000 AAV