Finally, a comeback win. Finally, a real winning streak. Finally, some real hope that the Islanders can make a run at this thing. Mathew Barzal, whose parents were in attendance,
The Islanders entered Saturday looking to set a season high with a third straight win. Additional injuries to top-six forward Anthony Duclair and defenseman Adam Pelech that forced them to miss significant time during the season’s first half have played a role in the Islanders’ inconsistency, but that's not the sole reason.
The New York Islanders (19-20-7) took over a second straight game in the second period, bowling over the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-18-7). The game finished X-1, with Bo Horvat’s second-period pair lifting the Islanders to the win.
Barzal scored the winner against Utah at 18:35 of the third period after helping to set up Brock Nelson’s goal earlier in the period. That extended his point streak to five games (goal, five assists), and he can match his career high of a six-game assist streak on Tuesday.