This is a week that could make or break the Islanders’ season, with three straight games against division opponents who, like them, are stuck in the pack chasing a playoff spot.
They opened with a dud.
The Blue Jackets scored four unanswered goals to race past the Islanders, on the ice and in the standings, with a 4-1 win Tuesday at Barclays Center.
Trailing 2-1 entering the third period, the Islanders (27-25-6) put some pressure on with strong scoring chances by the Anthony Beauvillier-Mathew Barzal-Jordan Eberle line. But they were denied each time — and then the Blue Jackets (29-23-4) took over for good.