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.

NEW YORK (AP) — 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. Ilya Sorokin made 25 saves.

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.

This was the sort of effort which, if the Islanders could replicate it consistently, makes them look like a playoff contender.

The New York Islanders defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 on Monday night. Here is our quick recap of the game.

The Blue Jackets saw their season-long, six-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday, but they picked up a point in a 1-0 shootout loss to the New York Rangers. Daniil Tarasov stopped all 26 shots he faced through three periods and regulation, but Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck's lone goal in the shootout decided the contest.

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.