It was another tough night for the Islanders. In a game they led 3-1 and scored four power play goals, the Islanders lost to the Hurricanes 6-4 at Nassau Coliseum. It was their fifth consecutive loss.

Losing is frustrating for everyone. No better example being star center John Tavares, who did his part again scoring his team-leading seventh and assisting on another. At 22, the former ’09 number one overall pick is the face of the franchise. One of the most exciting players in the game who plays in obscurity on Long Island. In 12 games, he’s scored seven times and tallied eight assists for 15 points.

Tavares has improved each year, increasing his production from 24 goals, 30 assists and 54 points in ’09-10 to 29 markers, 38 helpers and 67 points in ’10-11. His third season was even better notching 31 goals, 50 assists and 81 points in ’11-12. Including his two points tonight, the Mississauga Ontario native has totaled 91 goals and 126 assists for 217 points in 255 career games. The most from a 2009 rookie class that includes Matt Duchene (68-92-160 in 229 GP), Evander Kane (66-68-134 in 224 GP) and current Avs’ holdout Ryan O’Reilly (39-68-107 in 236 GP).

The great debate that Draft was who should go first. Tavares, Duchene or Victor Hedman (14-61-75 in 225 GP). After playing a game of poker, Isles’ GM Garth Snow finally revealed his choice leading to a celebration at the club’s Draft Party. Many including myself wondered if Duchene might’ve been a better fit. The thought was maybe they could trade down with Colorado, who stole O’Reilly in the second round. Instead, they selected Tavares while Tampa Bay took Hedman and the Avalanche picked Duchene.

All three franchises are pleased with their former No.1 picks. Tavares is the franchise leader for the Islanders, who move to Brooklyn in two years. Hopefully, he and ’11 No.1 pick Ryan Strome will form a potent duo. Hedman has become the Lightning’s top defenseman and Duchene is Colorado’s No.1 center.

The only player of the three to not make the playoffs is Tavares, whose team plays in arguably the toughest division. The Islanders next opponent is bitter rival the Rangers who beat them in the first meeting. They won their first Atlantic since ’95-96 last year and made the Conference Finals before losing to another close rival, the Devils who lost to the Kings in the Cup Final. The Penguins remain a powerhouse featuring league MVP Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, who won a Cup. The Flyers recently lost to the Blackhawks for the hardware.

“We’re the type of team that needs all 20 guys, and I don’t think we got that tonight,” coach Jack Capuano told the AP after his team allowed Carolina to score four goals in the third period. “We’ve got to find a way 5-on-5 to generate some offence. Our power play was good, but it’s not going to be there every day.”

“The harder you work, the luckier you get. “You can’t get frustrated. You can’t get down on one another. We’ve got a good bunch of guys. Adversity is something that you go through in life, and right now we’re going through it.”

The Islanders are a work in progress. It isn’t easy to rebuild in an ultra competitive division. Even in a shortened season, one slump can put you in a hole. They got off to a promising start going 4-2-1 with wins over the Devils and Pens. During the losing skid, it hasn’t gone their way. Even on home ice where traditionally they’ve been good. The Isles have lost five straight at home since a Martin Luther King Day win over Tampa Bay.

This was supposed to be a chance for them to build on their start. Instead, they’ve dropped five straight with four coming at the Coliseum. Thursday, they visit MSG looking to avenge a 4-1 defeat. Then host the red hot Devils Saturday. It doesn’t get any easier. The Islanders need to stop the bleeding.

Tavares is only one player who carries so much weight on his shoulders. He and sidekick Matt Moulson are consistent forces. They’ve gotten support from free agent pickup Brad Boyes, Michael Grabner, Frans Nielsen, Keith Aucoin and captain Mark Streit. Evgeni Nabokov has played too much already due to Rick DiPietro, who’s a shell of himself due to all the injuries. Of course, he got blame for the Canes’ onslaught. But the reality is the Isles are poor defensively. Even Lubomir Visnovsky’s goal and helper wasn’t enough.

The Islanders need more from former No.1 pick Kyle Okposo. One goal and three assists isn’t enough from a player capable of scoring 25-30 goals and 50+ points. He hasn’t been consistent. Last year, he used a strong finish to set a career high in goals (24) while netting his second highest point total (45). With the departure of P.A. Parenteau to Colorado, bigger things were expected. Instead, it’s been more of the same for Okposo, who’s now 24.

In order for them to compete, they need contributions from everyone. Until that changes, it looks like Tavares will endure more long nights.