The Islanders, seven points behind the Bruins for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot, moved within six points of the surging Blue Jackets and improved to 2-2-0 on their seven-game homestand, which continues Friday night against the Flyers.

The New York Islanders have gone streaking in January – they lost three games in a row to start the month, then won three games on their road trip, then lost back-to-back games on Jan.

The Blue Jackets never quite got going in a lackluster 3-1 loss to the Islanders to end their seven-game point streak.

Jason Newland is the Site Editor and Reporter for the Columbus Blue Jackets team site with The Hockey News. A resident of Columbus, Jason has spent 10 years writing about the Blue Jackets and in his spare time hangs with his son Trevor, plays softball, and watches all sports. You can follow him at @F1reTheCannon.

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.

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

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.

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 Islanders scored three goals in the second period and went on to a 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets on Monday.

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