Sharks need more from their goaltenders after hard fought loss to the Islanders

The Sharks' losing skid has continued, as they dropped their 6th straight game, losing 4-3 to the New York Islanders. They are the only team in the NHL that has not won a game. This game was particularly deflating as the Sharks actually controlled play for the majority of the game and outplayed the Islanders for large stretches. 

The Sharks were let down in net in this one. The Sharks came out of the gate swinging in the first, putting the Islanders on their heels and testing Sorokin, but still found themselves down 3-2 at the end of the first, as the Islanders beat Askarov 3 times on nine shots. It’s simply not good enough to lead to wins at the NHL level. Credit to Askarov for bouncing back for the rest of the game, but the Sharks need better consistency from both their goalies if they're going to win more games.  

There have been multiple games this season where the Sharks have played strong hockey for stretches, only to be deflated by giving up goals in critical situations. Not everything is on the goalies, and the Sharks definitely need to be cleaner defensively, but it's becoming a trend this season. At a certain point, the Sharks need their goalies to make the critical saves when momentum is swinging their way. Both Nedeljkovic and Askarov need to be much better if the Sharks are going to finally break through and get some wins. 

In other news, Michael Misa recorded his first point, a beautiful primary assist on an Adam Gaudette goal. Fellow rookie Dickinson made a heads-up play to keep the puck in the zone and worked it up to Graf, who found Misa in front. Misa was able to freeze Sorokin on the shot and found Gaudette wide open on the backdoor. Misa has not looked out of place at the NHL level; he has been clearly one of the Sharks' top 9 forwards, and it would not surprise me if he takes the 2C job from Wennberg by season's end. While he is still finding his confidence and consistency, he does not look overwhelmed and is finding ways to make plays and create scoring opportunities.

The Sharks will continue their hunt for their first win on Thursday when they take on the Rangers in Madison Square Garden.