New York Islanders: Five Keys Against Columbus Blue Jackets

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Dec 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s “best” meets worst as the New York Islanders welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Barclays Center. Here are five keys to success for the Isles.

When the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets met up on December 10th, Columbus was just getting started on their 16 game win streak, the second longest in NHL history. Now, over a month later John Tortorella’s squad still sits second in the highly competitive Metropolitan division, and the New York Islanders, although having played well lately, are still in last.

For the first two periods of that game back on December 10th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, the Isles played with poise and confidence and thanks to goals from Josh Bailey and John Tavares the two teams were knotted up heading to the third.

It all unraveled from there when the Jackets scored just two minutes into the third and went on to score four unanswered goals to turn a tightly contested hockey game into a laugher.

Jaroslav Halak was pulled after the 6^th and final Columbus goal in favor for Jean-Francois Berube who made his season debut that night logging 5:37 of shutout hockey.

The Isles will certainly have to bring an improved game plan to Barclays on Tuesday when they get their second shot at the Blue Jackets.