The two-game winning streak has helped the New York Islanders, but they remain in last place in the Metropolitan Division. That said, the recent games have shown how they can turn the season around and make a push for the playoffs.

This is what it looks like when the season slips away in January. A disastrous second period, a total squandering of momentum, a team that played most of the night as though nobody was on the same page and a home crowd that sounded more disappointed than upset.

Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves for his second shutout in three games and the Ottawa Senators beat the New York Islanders 2-0.

Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock also scored, Marcus Hogberg made 18 saves and the Islanders snapped a two-game skid.

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.

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

The Islanders scored three goals in five minutes and four seconds to secure the victory on home ice. Bo Horvat tied the game at one all for the veteran’s 15th goal of the season from Matt Barzal and Adam Pelech.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. The Islanders say there is no timeline for a return. Dobson left Monday’s 3-1 win versus the Columbus Blue Jackets after suffering an apparent leg injury in a collision with Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger.

In the New York Islanders ' matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, defenseman Noah Dobson left the game early due to an apparent injury in the third period. Dobson left the game at 1:14 of the final frame after taking a hit from Columbus' Cole Sillinger:

The New York Islanders have "tremendous interest" in acquiring Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. Will they trade Noah Dobson to get him?