San Jose Sharks Seek Revenge Against Islanders

The San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders wrap up their season series with a round of revenge for red-hot Logan Couture and company on Los Tiburones Night at SAP Center. The Sharks search for more confidence against their sixth-straight Eastern Conference opponent as they look to go perfect on their two-game home stand at 7:30 p.m.

The New York Islanders handed the San Jose Sharks their first road loss to begin their five-game East Coast trip last week. Robin Lehner carried the Islanders’ to a 4-0 home-opening victory at the Barclays Center, an incredible bounce-back story from the beleaguered goaltender.

Fast forward a dozen days later, the San Jose Sharks (3-3-1, 4th in Pacific) and the Islanders (3-3-0, 6th in Metropolitan) meet once again at the Shark Tank, riding high on impressive performances against their last opponent.

The San Jose Sharks unleashed a fury of blows to the Buffalo Sabres in their highly-anticipated debut of the stealth-mode sweaters. San Jose awakened from their struggles on the power play and provided a full 60-minute effort. They found the back of the net three times with the man-advantage and applied sustained pressure in the latter half of the contest to secure a 5-1 victory.

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It was the San Jose Sharks first home win of the season and the team couldn’t have asked for much more with an overall outstanding display. This gave Sharks fans a breath of fresh air watching the potency of the offense and defense come to life in front of the teal faithful.

Not to go unmentioned, Logan Couture’s hat trick put the cherry on top. It was a feel good moment for the Sharks alternate captain and the Sharks first hatty at the ‘Tank since the great Joel Ward did it in 2015.

The task gets tougher for the San Jose Sharks as they welcome in an Islanders squad on the final leg of the California gauntlet. New York ran into the brick wall that is John Gibson in a 4-1 loss to the Ducks. Nevertheless, Barry Trotz’s crew bounced back with an extraordinary effort with a stunning 7-2 landslide over the Los Angeles Kings.

Question marks remain around the potential return of Joe Thornton, who is still recovering from swelling in his surgically repaired right knee. According to Kevin Kurz, Thornton was doubtful to start tonight after Friday’s morning skate and his appearance on the upcoming three-game road trip still remains up in the air.

While Thornton’s absence still looms large, head coach Peter DeBoer has created excellent chemistry within his top-six units. Here are the Sharks line combinations against the Isles:

Kane-Pavelski-Labanc

Hertl-Couture-Meier

Sorensen-Suomela-Donskoi

Goodrow-Chartier-M. Karlsson

Who’s Hot?

Sharks: Logan Couture recorded his third career hat trick, scoring a power-play, even-strength and empty-net goal. The 29-year-old center has five points in his last four games and is second on the team in points behind Evander Kane. Couture also is the leader among forwards in ice time, averaging 19:54 per game.

Islanders: Mathew Barzal leads the Islanders with seven points. Last year’s Calder Trophy winner has points in five in his last six games, including collecting two helpers in the huge win over the Kings.

Next. Sharks Fans Have No Cause For Concern. dark

Projected Goaltending Matchup

Sharks: Martin Jones (2-3-0, 2.64 GAA, .896 SV%)

Islanders: Robin Lehner (1-2-0, 2.59 GAA, .918 SV%)

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