Clash at UBS Arena: New York Islanders to Host San Jose Sharks

As the New York Islanders prepare to welcome the San Jose Sharks to UBS Arena, fans are eager for what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Islanders have shown a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, but there are positive trends that suggest they could have the upper hand in their home venue.

In their last game against the Florida Panthers, the Islanders secured a victory with a scoreline of 4-3. Their offensive play was commendable with a shooting percentage of 15 percent and they managed to net one out of two powerplay opportunities. However, faceoff win percentage stood at only 41 percent, indicating room for improvement in puck possession from set plays.

The previous game saw an even more impressive offensive display as they beat the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime with five goals scored on just 16 shots – an extraordinary shooting percentage of 31 percent. Their powerplay unit capitalized once during four chances and showed defensive resilience by scoring shorthanded as well.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing as evidenced by their encounter with the New Jersey Devils where they fell short despite scoring four goals. A major concern from that game was goaltending; saving only 85 percent of shots faced is something that will need tightening up against a Sharks team looking to exploit any weakness.

The Islanders' recent performances highlight their ability to find the back of the net but also underline some inconsistencies particularly in faceoff win percentages and goaltending reliability. With these areas addressed, playing at UBS Arena could provide them with just enough edge over their opponents.

Fans can catch this thrilling NHL action on December 6th at UBS Arena starting at 00:30 AM local time. The game will be broadcasted on NBCS-CA (channel 698), MSGSN (channel 635), and available online through ESPN+.