Islanders travel to San Jose to battle Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks

The New York Islanders remain in California on Saturday night, traveling north to SAP Center to face the San Jose Sharks as they look to snap a brief two-game skid.

New York enters the matchup after a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, their second straight defeat following a five-game winning streak. Despite the loss, the Islanders show flashes offensively. Bo Horvat scores a remarkable goal with just 0.2 seconds remaining in the second period, Adam Pelech adds a shorthanded tally and Emil Heineman nets a late 6-on-5 goal. Ilya Sorokin makes 30 saves in the defeat.

The Islanders also arrive in San Jose with a newly reshaped roster following a busy trade deadline. General manager Mathieu Darche acquires veteran center Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Jonathan Drouin, prospect Marcus Gidlof and future draft picks. Schenn brings significant experience and offensive production, totaling 465 points over nine seasons in St. Louis.

New York’s penalty kill continues to generate offense. Pelech’s goal Thursday marks the Islanders’ eighth shorthanded tally of the season, tying them for the second-most in the NHL. Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who recently signs a three-year extension, assists on the play and now has six shorthanded points this season.

The Islanders also lead the league with 11 goals scored with the extra attacker this season after Heineman’s late tally against Los Angeles.

New York enters the night tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place in the Metropolitan Division with 75 points.

San Jose, led by rising star Macklin Celebrini, comes in riding a four-game point streak, setting up an important late-season matchup for both teams.