Opinion
3 min read

Can the Sharks Outswim the Islanders at the SAP Center?

As the San Jose Sharks prepare to host the New York Islanders at the SAP Center, fans are eager to see if their team can turn around a string of challenging performances. The upcoming clash on March 8th is more than just another game; it's a chance for redemption.


Dec 5, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) scores a game tying goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

The Sharks have been swimming in troubled waters lately, with their recent loss against the Nashville Predators on February 25th still fresh in memory. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short with a score of 2-4. The statistics from that night tell a tale of missed opportunities and defensive lapses: nine giveaways and three penalties contributed to their defeat, despite blocking an impressive 17 shots and delivering 14 hits.


Offensively, there's room for improvement as well. With only two goals on 25 shots against Nashville, converting chances into points has been an issue. Their powerplay performance was particularly lackluster; failing to capitalize on two opportunities could have changed the course of that game.


Dec 5, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund (20) and New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) battle for the puck during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back further at their February 19th encounter with Vegas Golden Knights reveals similar struggles. The Sharks were shut out in their own tank, unable to find the net even once out of 29 shots taken. A staggering seven penalties leading to thirty penalty minutes showed discipline issues that need immediate attention if they hope to compete effectively against teams like NYI.


However, not all is gloomy for San Jose fans. In an earlier battle on February 18th versus Columbus Blue Jackets, there were signs of brilliance despite falling short by one point in a close contest ending in a scoreline of 3-4 for Columbus. That night saw them win over half (52 percent) of faceoffs and block fifteen shots while taking twenty-two hits themselves – showcasing both offensive tenacity and defensive resilience.


Dec 5, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Mitchell Russell (64) and New York Islanders right wing Julien Gauthier (16) battle for the puck during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders will be no easy adversary though; they come into this matchup looking strong and determined themselves after recent performances elsewhere in the league.


For SJ to emerge victorious from this aquatic showdown, they must sharpen their offense while maintaining solid defense without succumbing to unnecessary penalties – easier said than done but not impossible with focus and determination.


Fans can catch this pivotal match live at SAP Center or tune into ESPN+ online or NBCS-CA or MSGSN television networks when puck drops at March 8th sharp at what would be local time - remember daylight saving changes!

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