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Skidding Islanders look like a shell of themselves in concerning loss to Sharks
The New York Islanders lost 3-2 to San Jose in a shootout, extending their losing streak to four games. The defeat raised concerns because the Sharks are still finding their form, while the Islanders struggled for long stretches to defend, keep possession and create pressure.
The teams were tied after regulation, and neither scored in overtime; San Jose won after eight rounds of the shootout. Ilya Sorokin made 37 saves, but the Islanders could not beat Yaroslav Askarov. Injuries to Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli and Ryan Pulock have added to the strain, though they could return by the end of the Islanders’ trip.
In short
- Islanders’ losing streak reached four games.
- San Jose won 3-2 after eight shootout rounds.
- Injuries and defensive lapses are adding to concerns.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The loss is a legitimate warning sign: a four-game losing streak and long spells struggling to defend, keep possession and create pressure suggest problems beyond a close shootout result. With the Sharks still finding their form, Islanders supporters can reasonably worry that injuries are exposing weaknesses and that the team needs to improve quickly.
The case against
The result was still a narrow 3-2 shootout loss, with neither side scoring in overtime, and San Jose needed eight rounds to decide it. Sorokin made 37 saves, while injuries to key players have strained the Islanders; their possible return by the end of the trip could help explain the slump as a difficult stretch rather than a sign the team has fundamentally lost its ability.