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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Columbus Blue Jackets have rallied in the face of tragedy and are one of the best stories in the league this season. Adam Vingan writes about how they’ve played their way into the playoff race.

Evason knew he was taking on a challenge, but he expected to have Monahan playing with forward Johnny Gaudreau, his close friend and former Calgary Flames teammate. He expected to have captain Boone Jenner and defenseman Erik Gudbranson to lead a group of skilled young players.

This is a team coming out of its rebuild and into its build phase. It has the potential to contend as it matures and as the roster is further tweaked.