Just when you thought the New York Islanders were ready to turn the corner--they went into Monday's game having won three in a row and four of their last five--they revert back to their tried and true selves. They were shut out for the sixth time this season and the Toronto Maple Leafs scored three goals to push the Isles back to 19-22-6 on the year and 11 points out of a playoff spot.
John Tavares was held without a point for the first time in 13 games in the loss. The Islanders challenged Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson with just 25 shots on net. Meanwhile, Evgeni Nabokov faced 35 shots and let in three after giving up only two goals over his previous three starts combined.
Matthew Lombardi scored his fifth and sixth goals of the year, while Phil Kessel added his 26th. The Maple Leafs are currently tied with the Washington Capitals for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
For more on the Islanders, check out the SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey. Head over to Pension Plan Puppets for everything Maple Leafs. Stay tuned to our Isles' StoryStream for more on this game and what's ahead.