Blue Jackets tough start continues after shutout by Islanders

The Columbus Blue Jackets misery continued with a 4-0 shutout loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

The Blue Jackets actually brought forth a stronger offensive effort, but were handcuffed by a hot goalie. The club directed 37 shots towards Jaroslav Halak, but failed to get one past the netminder.

Nikolay Kulemin opened the Islanders' scoring with just over a minute left in the first period and - ultimately - that was all that was needed. The Islanders got goals from Thomas Hickey and Cal Clutterbuck in a span of just over two minutes in the third to all but seal the victory.

Then, after a desperate Blue Jackets club pulled their goalie with over four minutes to play, captain John Tavares put the final nail in the coffin.

With the loss, the Blue Jackets remain the only NHL club without a point on the season, which will surely help fuel rumors that drastic changes are imminent.

Meanwhile, Tavares' goal extends his point streak to five games, giving him nine points on the season.