New York Islanders vs Nashville Predators: Inside the Box Score

"One step forward, one step back."

It has been the theme of the New York Islanders of late.

When the Islanders play well and get a win, they respond by playing poorly and ultimately lose a game.

The theme continued with a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators Monday afternoon.

Travis Hamonic put the game in a nutshell for reporters:  "[There's] no excuse for not being ready in this game. This is game 42 or 43 in the season and everyone has to be ready."

The Islanders came out completely flat in the first period, getting outplayed in every aspect of the game. They were outshot, outscored, out-coached and outplayed. Kevin Poulin looked shaky early on, allowing three quick goals for Nashville. The Islanders were serenaded with a chorus of "boos" as they retreated to their locker room, trailing 3-0.

The Isles awoke from their first period slumber, registering 19 of their 37 shots. A majority of those shots came on a five-on-three powerplay where Predators Goaltender Pekka Rinne made every kind of save possible to preserve the shutout.

Along with the offense, Poulin rebounded as well, matching Rinne's effort in the second period stopping all the shots he faced as well.

The third period is where the Islanders scored their one goal on a one-timer by John Tavares on a pass delivered by Matt Moulson. Kyle Okposo registered an assist on the play as well.

Sergei Kostitsyn, Matt Halischuk and David Lewand registered the goals for Nashville.

The Islanders will hope to rebound from the loss when they travel to play the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.