Kicking off a fresh week in the NHL is a meeting between the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks.
This game features the future of the NHL, with New York's Matthew Schaefer and San Jose's Macklin Celebrini continuing to take the league by storm early in their respective careers.
Their teams, however, still have a long way to go to find success. In a combined 35 games, they've won just 14.
Who will snap their current multi-game losing streak? Here is our expert Islanders vs. Sharks prediction and analysis to get you set for some great NHL action.
Islanders vs. Sharks betting picks and predictions
New York Islanders money line (-130)
New York may be on a three-game losing streak, but they have run through an absolute gauntlet of some of the NHL's best teams. Over their last four games (1-2-1), New York has faced the Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New Jersey Devils.
As of today, these four teams combine for a dominant 41-14-9 record, so it's no shock the Islanders couldn't find success. Even on the road, this game offers a far better opportunity for the battle-tested Islanders.
San Jose has just looked completely lost. They are on a five-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last eight contests. They are tied with the most games played this season (19), with most of the six teams below them having multiple games in hand.
The Sharks take a ton of penalties (10:34 per game), they've got middling special teams, poor defensive results, and even worse offensive results. Home ice won't help them here, as they are 3-5-0 in their own building.
New York brings a strong, balanced game to this contest, and a much more mature, veteran group that can step up and return them to the win column.
Under 6.5 (-125)
San Jose's struggles this season reflect several holes in the team and largely stem from a lack of offense. Their 2.47 goals per game average is third-last in the NHL, along with the second-worst shooting percentage of 9.2%.
Facing a defensively sound Islanders team, which averages 3.00 goals against per game and a collective save percentage of .905, will not be an easy way to find offense.
New York has done little better, averaging 2.88 goals per game, which also ranks in the bottom 10. Their 14.6% power play also leaves a lot to be desired.
The Islanders are still without forwards Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli, two players who play important offensive roles.
A struggling and inconsistent Sharks defensive system will let the Islanders find more offensive success than they are used to, but New York is unlikely to blow them out of the water and run up the scoreboard.
This matchup features two bland offensive units, and with both teams desperate for a victory, expect a tight battle that will not generate much offense overall.
Bo Horvat to score (+140)
Bo Horvat comes into this meeting with the lowest odds to score, and for good reason. He is a very solid two-way player, and leads the Islanders in goals (7).
Since 2018/19, Horvat has scored 27+ goals in six of eight seasons, including a career-high of 38 goals in 2022/23, the year he was traded to New York from Vancouver.
With 16 points in 16 games this season, Horvat has been a big contributor, but he hasn't scored during his team's three-game slump.
This matchup against a slumping Sharks team presents a great opportunity for Horvat to find the back of the net. He leads the Islanders' forward group in shots (49) and time on ice (20:59), and is likely to be leaned on heavily yet again.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site
Islanders vs. Sharks odds
New York Islanders | -130 |
San Jose Sharks | +110 |
Puck Line | NY Islanders -1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.5 |
Islanders vs. Sharks player props
Anytime goalscorer
Bo Horvat | +140 |
Macklin Celebrini | +145 |
Will Smith | +200 |
Simon Holmstrom | +235 |
Kyle Palmieri | +250 |
Matthew Schaefer | +250 |
Brayden Schenn | +260 |
Read the latest NHL ice hockey news on site
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
