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.

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

New York Islanders star Matthew Schaefer took over the game on Sunday with his incredible effort against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Rookie Matthew Schaefer and Simon Holmstrom scored 29 seconds apart late in the third period, helping the New York Islanders rally for a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. David Rittich made 20 saves in New York's second straight win.

Columbus Blue Jackets cough up two late goals 29 seconds apart in gut-wrenching road loss to New York Islanders.

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 goalie Elvis Merzlikins was clearly emotional on the bench following a loss to the New York Islanders.

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

Matthew Schaefer scored twice to become the youngest defenseman in NHL history with a multigoal game, and the New York Islanders scored two goals in the final 1:07 of the third period to rally past the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 at UBS Arena on Sunday.

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.