To describe the Columbus Blue Jackets’ game against the New York Islanders Monday as big would have been a major understatement. The Blue Jackets came into the night four points out of the NHL Eastern Division’s second wild card spot with the idle New York Rangers three points ahead and the Islanders two points up.

Columbus, who had lost six games in a row, got a third period goal from Kirill Marchenko to tie the game at 3-3. It looked as though the Islanders had scored with 8.9 seconds in regulation, but it was immediately waved off by a referee for goalie interference and confirmed upon review.

The game went to a shootout when neither team scored in the overtime period and Adam Fantilli was the only player to record a goal when he beat goaltender Islander Ilya Sorokin as the third and final Blue Jacket skater. The Blue Jackets collected two points for the win, but the Isles stayed one point ahead with the overtime loss.

New York took a two-goal lead in the first period. The Jackets responded with two goals in the second, including a short-handed goal from captain Boone Jenner. The Islanders retook the lead with less than a minute remaining in the period. The Columbus bench thought there was goalie interference and asked for a review. It was denied and the Isles led 3-2 going to the second break.

Marchenko’s third period goal turned out to be the last score for either team in regulation once the late New York goal was disallowed. Both teams had great chances during the overtime period, but both goaltenders stood tall. Elvis Merzlikins saved the final shot in the shootout after Fantilli’s score and the Jackets are heading home with the 4-3 win.

Columbus has a home game Friday with the San Jose Sharks, then heads to Ottawa for a game with the Senators Saturday. Both contests begin at 7:00 p.m.