The San Jose Sharks (0-3-2) visit the New York Islanders (2-3-0) tonight at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
San Jose remains winless this season and enters this matchup with serious defensive concerns. The Sharks are allowing roughly five goals per game and continue to struggle generating consistent offense, particularly on the power play. Their blue line has been turnover-prone and vulnerable in transition — issues that opposing teams have repeatedly exploited.
The Islanders, meanwhile, have snapped a three-game losing streak and are showing signs of life, averaging over four goals in their last couple of outings.
Veteran center Bo Horvat has played a major role in that turnaround, recently recording a hat trick and re-establishing himself as New York’s most reliable offensive catalyst.
His dominance in the faceoff circle and ability to control possession have helped the Islanders generate second-chance looks and sustain pressure in the offensive zone.
On the back end, rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer continues to impress after being selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old has brought rare composure for a teenager, handling top-four minutes with poise and jumpstarting New York’s transition game.
He also enters tonight’s contest with the chance to make franchise history — potentially becoming the first Islanders rookie defenseman to record points in five straight games to start a season. His steady puck movement and growing confidence have quickly made him one of the most intriguing young players in the league.
The key battle tonight will be New York’s transition game and forecheck against San Jose’s shaky breakouts. With Horvat driving the attack and Schaefer anchoring the defense, the Islanders have the tools to exploit the Sharks’ gaps and turnovers. Conversely, San Jose must limit shot volume and stay disciplined through the neutral zone if they hope to keep the game close.
Prediction
Expect the Islanders to control much of the pace and pressure, with the Sharks hanging in early but eventually giving way as New York’s depth and structure take over.
Projected Final Score: Islanders 4, Sharks 1
How to Watch Sharks vs. Islanders
Puck drop for tonight’s game between the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders is set for 7:00 PM Eastern / 4:00 PM Pacific at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The game airs live locally on MSG and NBC Sports Bay Area, as well as the Gotham Sports app.
Out-of-market viewers can catch the game on NHL Center Ice or stream it on ESPN+.
You can get access to ESPN+ for free by starting a trial with DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV, all of which include ESPN+.
After signing up, activate your ESPN plan and link it to your MyDisney login. If you already have Hulu + Live TV, you’ll automatically get access through that account. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t plan to keep the service.
San Jose Sharks vs. New York Islanders
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern / 4:00 PM Pacific
Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
TV: MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NHL Center Ice (out-of-market)
Streaming: Gotham Sports App, ESPN + (out-of-market)