San Jose Sharks Fall 3-2 To The Islanders In A Shootout, Lose 4 Straight

Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Struggling to Find Consistency

The San Jose Sharks came into this game hoping to snap a three-game losing streak against a struggling New York Islanders team. However, while the effort was there in the first two periods, the Islanders simply looked like a better, faster, and hungrier team come the third. Patrick Marleau (Assists: Dan Boyle and Logan Couture) opened the scoring in the second period with a Power Play goal, and Joe Pavelski (Assists: Boyle and Marleau) followed up to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead at even strength in the eventual 3-2 loss. The Sharks are now 2 for 17 on the man advantage in their last five games.

Poulin on a Rope

Islanders back-up net minder, Kevin Poulin, played absolutely sensational despite giving up two goals. Had it not been for his play, the Isles would’ve trailed by at least a goal in the first period. He robbed Martin Havlat of what should have been his first goal of the night at 17:65 of the first period. Poulin made 48 saves with a save percentage of .958.

Sitting On Leads

If the coaches aren’t pulling their hair out, the players are hanging their heads in shame because the Sharks lost yet another lead. The momentum they had from applying pressure and scoring was lost in the third period as the Islanders delivered their own response and just kept pressuring, clawing their way back in. Thomas Vanek, the former Buffalo Sabre, cut the lead to just one just 51 seconds into the third, and Kyle Okposo tied it at 2 right off the draw in the Sharks’ zone at 18:23.

Shootout Struggles

The shootout has been an Achilles Heel for San Jose this year. They lost their first four shootouts early in the year, but then improved to 3-4. Last night, the Sharks put another loss in the L column. Vanek opened the scoring in the shootout. and while Logan Couture beat Kevin Poulin blocker/stick side, Okposo scored the game winner for the Islanders.