Game Preview: NY Islanders vs San Jose Sharks

The NY Islanders look to finish their California road trip with a winning record as they take on the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center.

Last Game

The Islanders snapped a two game winning streak on Wednesday as they defeated the Anaheim Ducks 6-3. After trailing 2-1 at the end of the first period, the offense came alive with two goals in the second period, followed by three in the third. Brock Nelson scored two goals en route to securing his second consecutive 30-goal season, while Kyle Palmieri notched his first career four point game with a goal and three assists. Ilya Sorokin was between the pipes for the second straight night, stopping 20 of the 23 shots he faced in the win.

The struggles for the Sharks continued as their winless streak was extended to five on Thursday night. Hosting the Seattle Kraken, the game was scoreless headed to the third period until William Eklund scored his second career goal in what was just career game #16 for the 20 year old. That lead, however, did not last long as Oliver Bjorkstrand would tie the game less than six minutes later. There would be no more scoring in regulation and then in overtime, Vince Dunn got the game winner for Seattle. It was a valiant effort from Sharks goalie James Reimer, who made 30 saves.

Historical Matchup

The Islanders and Sharks have already met once this season, a game that was played way back in October. It was a big night for Oliver Wahlstrom, as he buried two goals on a night that the Isles would walk away victorious, beating the Sharks 5-2.

All-time, the Islanders are 21-17-3-5 against San Jose.

Players to Watch

Hudson Fasching has really begun to make a name for himself as he aims to help get New York into the playoffs for the 4th time in five years. The 27 year old has scored three goals in his last five games. I'm sure head coach Lane Lambert would love more production from Fasching in a game that the Isles really need to have.

In a year that has not been so successful for the Sharks, there has been one bright spot. That would be the play of defenseman Erik Karlsson. The 32 year old has a chance to break the record for most points by a defenseman in the 21st century, as he currently sits at 85. It seems as though Karlsson is well on his way to winning the Norris Trophy for the third time in his career while the Isles are hoping to slow him down.

Projected Lines

Islanders

Anders Lee-Bo Horvat-Josh Bailey
Zach Parise-Brock Nelson-Kyle Palmieri
Pierre Engvall-JG Pageau-Hudson Fasching
Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech-Scott Mayfield
Alexander Romanov-Ryan Pulock
Sebastian Aho-Noah Dobson

Ilya Sorokin
Semyon Varlamov

Sharks

Andreas Johnsson-Tomas Hertl-Alexander Barabanov
William Eklund-Logan Couture-Kevin Lebanc
Noah Gregor-Nico Sturm-Evgeny Svechnikov
Oskar Lindblom-Steven Lorentz-Fabian Zetterlund

Derrick Pouliot-Erik Karlsson
Marc-Edward Vlasic-Nikolai Knyzhov
Mario Ferraro-Matt Benning

James Reimer
Kaapo Kahkonen

Lines via DailyFaceoff