The Islanders return to action tonight at San Jose. They look to avoid a three-game losing streak when they take on one of the best teams in the Sharks at HP Pavilion. After a 4-0 start, they’ve come back to earth dropping four of their last six including consecutive defeats to Winnipeg and Colorado.

The loss to the Jets was bad enough. But a 5-0 Avalanche trouncing was not how to start a tough five-game Western road swing that includes stops at Anaheim, Los Angeles and Arizona. With new number one goalie Jaroslav Halak struggling, coach Jack Capuano went to Chad Johnson at Colorado. He allowed five goals on 23 shots with the Avs doing most of their damage with a three-goal second period.

“In this league, every night, got to score two to three to win,” Capuano told reporters. “If you don’t, you’re not going to win hockey games.”

”Got to find a way to get a little bit more gritty,” captain John Tavares said. ”Find a way to get an ugly one, get a bounce to go your way. It’s obviously a frustrating loss.”

The Islanders will face the Sharks for the second time. They prevailed in the first meeting 4-3 in a shootout on Oct. 16. They haven’t had much success against San Jose lately. The Sharks are 5-0-2 over the last seven.

For the Islanders, they need Halak to play better. In six starts, he’s allowed 20 goals on 180 shots. With a 3.50 goals-against-average and a .889 save percentage, Garth Snow’s big addition hasn’t looked like a number one goalie. It’s forced Capuano to play Johnson more when he’s clearly a backup. If they are going to make the playoffs, it will fall on Halak. He’s the key to the season.

Offensively, Tavares has gotten help from second-year man Brock Nelson. His six goals and six assists tie Tavares for the team lead in scoring. Frans Nielsen has picked it up with four goals and four helpers. However, he is without a point the last two- both Isles’ losses. So far, Kyle Okposo has continued to prove last year’s breakout wasn’t a fluke with 11 points.

Defensively, Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy have been solid additions. Until Travis Hamonic returns, the Isles will struggle in their end. He’s the glue that holds it together. Sophomore Calvin de Haan is being counted on to play big minutes. Lubomir Visnovsky has a goal and helper in four games since returning.

For the Isles, they must fare well in the faceoff circle. The Sharks are a puck possession team led by Joe Thornton and Logan Couture. They also boast a dangerous offense with Joe Pavelski, Patrick Marleau and Tomas Hertl all capable of punishing the opposition. Brent Burns is back on the blueline providing offense along with a heavy shot. Keep the Sharks off the power play. They rank sixth at 23.8 percent.

It should be interesting. It doesn’t get any easier.