Game Preview: Islanders vs. Sharks

New York Islanders vs. San Jose Sharks

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Cizikas' Status:

Casey Cizikas left Sunday's game in the third period and did not return. Head coach Jack Capuano did not offer an update on his playing status at Monday's optional skate, which Cizikas did not skate in, but said that X-Rays showed "good news." The coach said he'll have a better idea on Tuesday.

Homestand Continues:

The Islanders are in the middle of a five-game homestand, part of a stretch where they play 10-of-11 games at Barclays Center. The Islanders have played well at home since moving to Barclays, racking up a 26-11-5 record overall. That home-ice advantage takes on new meaning when they play Western Conference teams, as the Islanders are 13-0-2 (combining last season and Sunday) against western teams. That mark includes a 6-3 over the Sharks on Oct. 17.

Bailey On Top Line:

Josh Bailey played on the Islanders' top line on Sunday, skating alongside John Tavares and Andrew Ladd. While Bailey's overtime winner came independent of Tavares and Ladd, head coach Jack Capuano said he's liked what he's seen from Bailey early in the season and on the top line.
"If he plays with confidence, as I told him, and the work ethic that he has, he's a skill player and he has the ability to play on that line," Capuano said on Sunday. "It's something that we wanted to try going into tonight's game and I thought they played well."

Aaron Dell Could Make First-Career Start Vs. Islanders:

Martin Jones was a difference-maker for the Sharks last season, winning 37 games in the regular season and another 14 in the playoffs. However, with Jones playing Monday against the Rangers, Aaron Dell could see his first-career NHL start on Tuesday against the Islanders.
The former University of North Dakota goaltender spent the last two seasons with the Sharks' AHL affiliate, going a combined 32-24-8 with eight shutouts.

Feel the Burns:

Forget just being one of the highest-scoring defensemen in the NHL last season, Brent Burns was one of the highest-scoring players in the league last season. Burns is coming off a career-high 27-goal, 75-point campaign and is off to a strong start this season. Through three games, Burns has a league-leading six points (3G, 3A) including a pair of goals and an assist against the New York Rangers on Monday night.
At 6'5, 230 lbs. Burns is a physical presence on the blue line and is a dynamic player both offensively and defensively for the Sharks.