NEW YORK (AP) — Brock Nelson scored a hat trick to take over the team lead in goals, and the New York Islanders beat the Blue Jackets 5-2 on Tuesday night.
Thomas Greiss made 18 saves for the Islanders, who lost their previous two games.
Nelson snapped a 2-all tie with his 16th of the season at 17:29 of the second period, scoring unassisted against goalie Anton Forsberg with a snap shot from the left side. The 24-year-old forward also scored at the 12-minute mark of the first and added an empty-net goal to seal it.
Ryan Strome opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the season and first since Nov. 30 at 5:03 of the first.