Islanders vs Sharks Picks and Prediction – 3/9/2025

This Saturday, Bo Horvat and the New York Islanders will travel to SAP Center to take on Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks in an exciting matchup. Get our free NHL Picks all season long! The Islanders, now 28-26-7, are coming off a 3-2 win against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. With Mat Barzal sidelined due to injury, Horvat will be the focal point of New York’s offense as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.

San Jose, sitting at 17-38-9, enters the game following a 7-3 loss against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Celebrini continues to be a bright spot for the rebuilding Sharks, showcasing his high-end skill and potential despite San Jose’s struggles. However, defensive breakdowns have been a major issue for San Jose, and they’ll need to be much sharper to slow down the Islanders.

For New York, controlling possession and capitalizing on San Jose’s defensive weaknesses will be crucial. Horvat must continue to lead the Islanders’ attack while the team looks to take advantage of scoring opportunities. If the Islanders can limit mistakes and dictate the pace, they’ll have a strong chance to secure another win.

San Jose will need a strong response after their blowout loss to Colorado. Celebrini must be aggressive offensively, while the Sharks’ defense and goaltending will need to step up to avoid another high-scoring defeat. Staying disciplined and converting on scoring chances will be key if they want to keep this game competitive.

This matchup features Horvat’s offensive leadership against Celebrini’s rising star power as both teams look to take advantage of key opportunities. While the Sharks have shown flashes of promise, New York’s experience and playoff urgency should give them the edge. Take the Islanders to grab the win on the road. Final Score Prediction, New York Islanders win 5-2.