"The Islanders searched for words to describe how bad they were last night against the Panthers.

Defenseman Mark Streit's final ones did nicely: "We were just awful."

During the 7-1 loss to Florida at the Coliseum, the Isles looked like a team that should be in the running for the top pick in next year's draft -- again.

"I think we were a team that forgot we were playing tonight," said Dwayne Roloson, who was pulled in the third after giving up five goals on 23 shots. Coach Scott Gordon thought "he had seen enough breakaways."

Worse, Roloson added: "We were looking forward to the Ranger games and just from the beginning to the end, it was one of those games."

The result? A season high in goals allowed and their worst showing of the season.

Horrendous defensive miscues led to Florida chances that Roloson had little chance on, and though the Isles out-shot the Panthers, 31-26, they generated few real opportunities.

Trailing 3-1 heading into the third, the Isles surrendered a pair of goals less than a minute into the final period. Nathan Horton notched a hat trick for the Panthers."