San Jose Sharks vs New York Islanders

November 7, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) before the start of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders 1-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

After a road trip the San Jose Sharks would likely rather forget they come home to face a flat lining  Islanders squad in the first of two games between the two teams this year. The Islanders are winless in their last 10 games, have the lowest winning percentage of any NHL team on the road, and are walking into one of the toughest buildings in the league. The Sharks are 10-1-2 while playing in the Tank, but will have to fix issues with their power play among other things if they hope to gain their 11th win at home this season.

Game Number 32

Team Record: 8-18-5 (0-8-2 in the last 10)

Offense: Flat-Lining. 11 total goals in the last 8 games, and no more than 2 goals a game in that period.

Defense: Colder than a southern Ontario winter.  41 goals allowed in the last 10 games. Enough Said.

PP: 16.19% (20th in the league)

PK: 71.13% (dead last: 30th in the league)

The Sharks should keep an eye on Islander’s captain John Tavares as well as Tomas Vanek: Each have a goal and an assist in Monday’s game for New York.

A bright spot for the boys in teal Patrick Marleau has 2 goals and 2 assists in his last 5 games.

Unfortunately Sharks fans will not get to see an old favorite man from Kazakhstan Evgeni Nabokov tonight who is on IR with a groin injury.