New York Islanders
New York Islanders
Kaapo Kakko racked up the goals heading into the midway point of the season — scoring seven goals in the last ten games. On the season, Kakko is second in points on the team (33) and is tied with Ryan Strome with the most goals (14). Igor Shesterkin (22-8-3) ranks second in the Eastern Conference in GAA (2.33) and fifth overall.
TEAM RANKINGS
(East rank/League rank)
GFPG: 3.26 (3rd/5th)
GAPG: 2.52 (3rd/4th)
PP: 22.5% (1st/2nd)
PK: 82.4% (22nd/12th)
NYR TEAM LEADERS
PTS: A. Fox 41
AST: A. Fox 34
G: K. Kakko 14
G: R. Strome 14
P/M: K. Miller +11
GAA: I. Shesterkin 2.33
The Rangers (25-10-7) closed out the first half of their season with a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks at SAP Arena. Right-wing Kevin Labanc notched his eleventh goal of the season with less than two minutes to play to break a 2-2 tie and handed the Sharks a final lead. New York trailed 2-1 early in the third period before Chris Kreider lit the lamp ten minutes into the frame – his twelfth of the season.
The Sharks controlled the game in the first period by out-shooting the Rangers 15-3, but that produced just one goal while New York was efficient, scoring on one of their three attempts. The script flipped in the middle frame when the Rangers controlled the pace and out-shot San Jose 13-4.
Igor Shesterkin (22-8-3, 2.33 GAA) was in net for New York made 20 saves and took the loss. Adin Hill (25 saves) earned the win for the Sharks and improved to 19-12-2. The loss snapped a three-game win streak by the Rangers.
AS IT STANDS…
New York is looking strong heading into the second half of the season, finishing in second place behind Toronto. New York’s 57 points gives them a 13-point advantage over ninth-place Philadelphia Flyers (44 points). The Rangers’ offense and defense ranks among the best in the NHL, but overtaking the Maple Leafs might remain a pipe-dream.
