Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule.

The Sharks outshot the Islanders 20-8 in the first period, but still trailed 2-0 after allowing a power-play goal to Anthony Duclair on a tipped puck and an even-strength goal to Jean-Gabriel Pageau with 39 seconds left before intermission. The Sharks also went 2-for-4 on the penalty kill as they lost the opener of an eight-game homestand.

With 14 games left, the San Jose Sharks report card evaluates the team’s offense, defense, goaltending, special teams and