His current right winger, Anthony Duclair (one goal, two assists in 12 games), whom the Islanders signed to a four-year, $2.75 million-per-year deal to play like a top-six forward -- whether that was a fair ask or not -- has struggled to be a difference-maker.

Rookie Matthew Schaefer and Simon Holmstrom in the final minutes on Sunday, helping the Islanders rally for a 3-2 win.

It’s been a lot. So here are three takeaways on the Islanders’ 4-5-1 start: The Islanders still have plenty of time to prove they are better than last season, when they missed the playoffs by nine points. Or the two previous seasons, when they squeaked into the postseason, only to be dispatched by the Hurricanes.

The NHL regular season is not yet 20 percent complete. But if the early state of the highly competitive Eastern Conference is any indication, even early November games could have postseason implications for the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins.

But since moving up to the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee, Simon Holmstrom has transformed into one of the Islanders’ most productive players, averaging a point per game over

Ovechkin scored his record-breaking 895th goal against the Islanders on April 6, but Ilya Sorokin — the goalie who allowed it — wouldn't yield to another milestone on this night. He made 13 saves in the first period as Washington made an early push, and only Wilson managed to beat him.

With an assist against Columbus, Horvat added to his team lead of 14 points. The Islanders had a strong night in the dot overall, winning 32-of-47 faceoffs (68.1%). The Islanders continue their three-game homestand with a matchup against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Puck drop is set for 7PM.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle on Blue Jackets' stunning loss to spoil Elvis Merzlikins' night: 'It shouldn't be that way.'