The 2011-12 Islanders season came to an end with a 7-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night at Nationwide Arena.
The Islanders were in a close 3-2 game before the Blue Jackets scored two quick power play goals to effectively open up the contest. The Islanders finish the season at 34-37-11 with 79 points, six more than their total from last season.
Rick Nash opened the scoring with the lone goal of the first period, his 30th of the season. Things picked up in the second period, as both teams combined for a whopping six goals.
Cam Atkinson scored his first of two goals 4:15 into the second period, ripping a shot past the glove of
Al Montoya. The Islanders responded three minutes later, as
Milan Jurcina scored his first goal since Dec. 10, teeing up a slap shot that beat Steve Mason.
RJ Umberger reaffirmed the Blue Jackets two-goal lead before
Kyle Okposo netted his third in two games and ninth in his last nine.
The Blue Jackets took full advantage of late five-on-three, as James Wisniewski and Atkinson converted with
Andrew MacDonald and
Steve Staios in the penalty box.
Jack Johnson and Vinny Prospal scored in the third period, but the last goal of the Islanders season belonged to
Michael Grabner, as he hit the 20-goal plateau for the second straight season.
With 81 points (30g/51a)
John Tavares finishes the season inside the top 10 in NHL scoring.
[34-37-11]
[29-46-7]