Islanders’ collapse is complete as slim playoff hopes dashed

That’s it for the Islanders.

The Islanders’ slim playoff hopes were extinguished Monday night with a 3-0 loss to the Panthers, who moved closer to securing their own spot in the postseason.

Christopher Gibson finished with 38 saves for the Islanders, who fell short of the playoffs for the second straight year with their 14th loss in 16 games (2-10-4).

Leading 1-0 after one period, the Panthers pulled away with two goals in the second while outshooting the Islanders 19-11.

Evgenii Dadonov had a goal and an assist, and James Reimer stopped 32 shots for his fourth shutout of the season. Keith Yandle also had a goal and assist, and Nick Bjugstad scored to help Florida win for the 13th time in 17 games (13-3-1). The Panthers moved within point of the idle Devils for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. They have eight games remaining, one more than the Devils.

After Islanders rookie Mathew Barzal was given a double-minor for high-sticking Vincent Trochek 1:24 into the middle period, the Panthers took advantage just 23 seconds later. Bjugstad got a pass from Jamie McGinn, skated into the right circle and fired the puck past Gibson for his 18th goal.

The Panthers outshot the Islanders 16-10 in the first period, with both teams getting solid chances.

Gibson denied Derek MacKenzie in front 3 1/2 minutes in, then stopped MacKenzie Weeger’s shot from the left circle and Maxim Mamim’s follow attempt on the rebound in front a little more than two minutes later.

The Islanders’ Cal Clutterbuck hit a post 2 1/2 minutes in. Reimer also turned away Andrew Ladd’s tip attempt in front 4 1/2 minutes in, Anders Lee’s backhand two minutes later, and two tries in close by John Tavares shortly after that. Tavares snapped a five-game point streak in which he had two goals and seven assists.

Islanders forward Casey Cizikas was scratched. Chris Wagner played in his place.