Overview
The unbeaten San Jose Sharks continue into the third game of the four-game road trip, where they will get their first look at Barclay’s Center as they face the New York Islanders.
Team Stats
*Starting from this season, I’m going to be trying to add something new in terms of tracking offense. Due to the increasing popularity of advanced stats and their acceptance in the NHL, I will be adding stats like Corsi For (CF), which measures shot attempts for a team. (Advanced stats courtesy of war-on-ice)
Injuries/Scratches
Sharks: Raffi Torres (suspension) and Logan Couture (fractured right fibula) are out. Joonas Donskoi (lower body) is questionable.
Isles: None.
Keys to the Game
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1) Foot on the Gas Pedal
I’m making this my first key because the Sharks reverted back to their old habits last night against the New Jersey Devils. They have to keep their foot on the gas pedal. Adjust to their line mates fast, because Logan Couture‘s out, and play to their strengths. The Devils were a struggling team and, without a doubt, still are. Yet, they let New Jersey back in in part because they got sloppier, spent too much time in their own zone, and killing penalties. That has to change tonight against the Islanders. They’re a much better team. They have a winning record. They have the youth and star power to get it done. The Sharks need to play better and be much more consistent with their aggressiveness, “consistent” being the key word.
2) Play for Your Goalie
For the first time this season, Martin Jones is going to have a break away from minding the net. Alex Stalock will be in net tonight. While Stalock had a down season last year like much of the team, this is a chance for him to prove to the team that they can still rely on him as the back-up goaltender. However, they need to play well in front of him. Last game, I thought they relied too much on Jonesy. Tonight, they not only need Stalock to play well and stop what he can, but they need to help him out too.
TV/Radio Broadcast
TV: CSNCA
Radio: 98.5 KFOX