Surging Islanders square off with skidding Sharks

(Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports)
The New York Islanders headed west Wednesday, secure in the awareness they would remain together after the trade deadline -- and growing increasingly confident in their ability to mount another playoff run with one of the NHL's oldest cores.

The Islanders will look to continue their hot streak Thursday night when they begin a four-game road trip by facing the San Jose Sh