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. Simon Holmstrom's short-handed goal in the second proved to be the game-winner for the Islanders,

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

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.