San Jose owned the best road record in hockey last season. I like the Sharks in this road setting following their first defeat of the season. San Jose is stewing from an embarrassing 7-4 loss to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden last night.

So this is a short trip for San Jose and playing back-to-back shouldn't be a fatigue issue this early in the season. The Sharks are 7-3-1 in their last 11 visits to the Islanders.

The Islanders are a bit fat and happy after getting their first victory with a 3-2 overtime win against the Ducks Sunday.

The line is short because it's likely rookie goalie Aaron Dell will make his NHL debut for San Jose. Dell finished last season strong helping his AHL team reach the playoffs.

San Jose had been playing excellent defense until the Rangers game allowing three goals during their first two games. The lopsided loss to the Rangers is a bit misleading since New York scored two empty net goals.

When at even strength, the Sharks have permitted only one goal on the season.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover has his strongest totals play of the season so far heading his Tuesday ticket.)