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

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.

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.

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.

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

New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov has been suspended for three games without pay for an illegal check to the head of Philadelphia Flyers forward Ryan Poehling.

The game against the Rangers kicked off a stretch of eight games out of nine away from home, which continues tonight just a little to the east as the Blue Jackets take on the Islanders. Defenseman Damon Severson said the team wants to keep playing that tighter style on the road as the Jackets try to rack up points.

Horvat delivered a goal and an assist, both on the power play, in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Flyers. He also added seven shots on net, two hits and a minus-1 rating to his ledger. The power-play points were the first for Horvat since Oct.

Sean Couturier had a goal and an assist, Travis Konecny added three assists and the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New York Islanders 5-3 on Thursday night. Morgan Frost, Garnet Hathaway, Cam York and Noah Cates also scored for Philadelphia. Samuel Ersson made 26 saves as the Flyers won for the third time in four games.

PM ET in Monday’s contest between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets, here are the best bets you should be considering, whether you’re wanting to place a single wager or have your eyes set on putting together a parlay.