New York Islanders vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Prediction for Monday November 9 2026
The Islanders head to San Jose on Monday night for a 10 PM ET game against the Sharks at SAP Center. New York is coming off a frustrating 5-4 overtime loss to New Jersey, while San Jose lost 4-3 to Dallas. Both teams have been giving up too many goals lately, but the Islanders have been the more dependable defensive club over the season. The early market gives New York a slight advantage, and I think that’s about right. This isn’t a matchup where I’d want to lay a big price. Get ready for all the NHL action with our free NHL Picks.
New York Islanders Need to Finish Games
New York is 7-6-3 after losing 5-4 in overtime to New Jersey on Saturday. That one had to sting. The Islanders led 4-2 entering the third period and couldn’t finish the job. They also lost 5-3 to Carolina on Thursday. That’s ten goals allowed in two games, and it’s not the kind of defensive hockey the Islanders want to play.
The Islanders have scored 47 goals through 16 games, averaging 2.94 per night. They’ve allowed 49, or 3.06 per game. Those aren’t terrible numbers, but the recent defensive performances have been concerning. New York needs to do a better job protecting leads and keeping opponents from getting second chances. Against San Jose, the Islanders should have opportunities to control possession because the Sharks haven’t been generating much consistent offense.
Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and Alexander Romanov have been listed unavailable, which affects both the offensive and defensive depth. Those are significant absences, and they help explain why the Islanders haven’t been as dependable lately. But New York still has enough structure to win games against weaker opponents. The Islanders need to play a cleaner game than they did against New Jersey.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
San Jose Sharks Have Been Struggling at Home
San Jose is 7-11-1 after losing 4-3 to Dallas on Saturday. The Sharks have dropped several games lately, including a 4-1 loss to Minnesota on Friday. They played better offensively against Dallas, but the defense still couldn’t get enough stops. San Jose has been competitive in stretches, but it hasn’t been able to put together complete games.
The Sharks have scored 46 goals in 19 games, averaging 2.42 per night. They’ve allowed 64, or 3.37 per game. That’s a pretty big difference. San Jose has been struggling to create enough offense, and the defensive mistakes have been putting the team behind too often. The Sharks are also 2-6 at home, which isn’t exactly a reason to feel confident heading into Monday.
Alexander Wennberg has been listed unavailable, which affects the forward depth. San Jose needs more consistent offensive production throughout the lineup, especially against a team that generally prefers a controlled game. The Sharks have been getting some scoring opportunities, but they haven’t been finishing enough of them. Against the Islanders, they’ll need a better performance in their own zone to have a chance.
New York Islanders vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick: New York Islanders
I’m taking the Islanders. New York just gave away a two-goal lead against New Jersey, and that’s not encouraging. But San Jose has been struggling at home and allowing more than three goals a game. The Islanders have been the better defensive team over the season, even if their last couple of performances haven’t shown it. San Jose can win if it gets another three-goal night and New York continues making mistakes. But I think the Islanders settle things down and get the win.
Total Pick: Under 6.5 Goals
I’ll take the under 6.5 if that’s the number. Both teams have been allowing plenty of goals lately, so this isn’t a comfortable under. But neither offense has been especially productive over the season. San Jose is scoring only 2.42 goals per game, and the Islanders are below three. I expect New York to try to slow the game down after giving up five to both Carolina and New Jersey. The danger is another defensive breakdown turning this into a 4-3 game. But I think something around 3-2 or 4-2 is more likely.
Final Picks: New York Islanders Moneyline | Under 6.5 Goals (if available)
Disclaimer: Completed November 8, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting goaltenders may change before puck drop.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Get Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets Over Your First 10 Days
New Users - Get $200 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 4 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
