The October 21, 2025 matchup between the San Jose Sharks and the New York Islanders at UBS Arena brings together two teams at very different points in their competitive trajectories but with similar goals—to find consistency and establish early-season momentum. The Sharks, mired in a rebuilding phase, continue to struggle to find chemistry, offensive flow, and defensive stability, while the Islanders are looking to build off a recent morale-boosting win and solidify themselves as a playoff-caliber team in the Metropolitan Division. For San Jose, this season has been one long uphill climb as the franchise transitions under head coach Ryan Warsofsky, who has emphasized youth development and system discipline. The Sharks’ early results have been discouraging, with the team near the bottom of the NHL in both goals scored and goals allowed. Their offense, averaging just over two goals per game, has lacked cohesion and finish, relying too heavily on isolated efforts from veterans like Mikael Granlund and Tomas Hertl. The power play, clicking at under 12%, has been largely ineffective, and their defensive-zone exits remain a glaring weakness. Goaltending has also been an issue, as Mackenzie Blackwood and Magnus Chrona have both struggled with consistency behind a blue line that allows far too many high-danger chances per 60 minutes. San Jose’s young players—such as Will Smith and William Eklund—have flashed potential, but the lack of veteran depth and team structure has left them vulnerable against more complete teams like the Islanders. On the other hand, New York enters the game trending upward following a sluggish start, highlighted by a dominant performance from captain Bo Horvat, who scored a hat trick in their recent 5-2 win over Edmonton. That breakout performance seemed to spark the Isles’ offense, which had previously sputtered, averaging barely two goals per contest.

The emergence of a functioning power play under new assistant coach Doug Houda has been a major storyline, with Horvat and Mathew Barzal developing noticeable chemistry in the offensive zone. Brock Nelson continues to provide steady two-way play, while Anders Lee has found his scoring touch around the net again. Defensively, the Islanders remain one of the most structured teams in the league, anchored by stalwart defensemen Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, who excel in positional play and shot suppression. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin, one of the NHL’s elite netminders, has been solid despite a heavy workload, maintaining a save percentage north of .915 and keeping his team competitive even when the offense goes cold. Strategically, the Islanders will look to use their aggressive forecheck to exploit San Jose’s weak breakout game and force turnovers in the neutral zone, an area where the Sharks have consistently been punished this season. For San Jose to stay competitive, they must play disciplined, limit odd-man rushes, and take advantage of rare power-play opportunities, as New York’s penalty kill has been inconsistent to start the year. From a betting standpoint, the Islanders enter as clear favorites, especially at home, where their structure and goaltending give them a decided edge. However, the Sharks could present minor puck line value if they manage to keep the game low-scoring and capitalize on defensive lapses. Expect the Islanders to dictate tempo, dominate possession, and rely on their depth and superior defensive discipline to pull away in the later stages. While the Sharks will bring energy and effort, their lack of finishing talent and defensive composure make it difficult to see them matching the Islanders shift for shift. In what should be a methodical, physical contest, the Islanders’ balance and goaltending advantage should carry them to a convincing home victory as San Jose continues its developmental growing pains.