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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. Simon Holmstrom also scored and Mathew Barzal had two assists as the Islanders won their second straight and fifth in seven games.

Ahead of their Metropolitan Division showdown vs. the New York Islanders, the Blue Jackets arrived in Ohio State football jerseys. Here's more:

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.