Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Every day, the Last Word on Hockey team analyzes the biggest matchups for the details and elements that could factor into the game’s outcome. Today, we are looking at the contest between the San Jose Sharks and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to take a peek at our other NHL Predictions as the season continues.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at Carolina Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FDSNSO, NBCSCA, ESPN+
The San Jose Sharks are on their way to their fifth consecutive road game, this time in Raleigh to faceoff with the Carolina Hurricanes. This will be the first of just two meetings between the teams in the regular season, and the only time the Hurricanes will be hosting.
The Sharks Story
The Pacific Division has seen little shift from this point last season compared to now. With that being said, the Sharks still sit second to last, albeit with a better record. Last season, they were dealing with a winning percentage of .350%. This season is a bit of a different story, as they now sit with .417%.
Their previous game was a tough one, but during the game, one specific player shined especially bright. Throughout two periods, the Sharks were outshot by over two times their own amount and were outscored 3-0. In the final minutes, Tyler Toffoli was able to net the puck on a power play – avoiding being shutout. After 60 minutes, Mackenzie Blackwood was the standout player for the Sharks. As the game concluded, he had made 49 saves on 52 shots.
However, for the upcoming game, the Sharks will not have Blackwood to depend on. In a recent trade, Mackenzie Blackwood, Givani Smith, and a future draft pick were sent to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, they received Alexandar Georgiev, Nikolai Kovalenko, and two future draft picks.
The Hurricanes Story
The Canes have taken a bit of a slide in the past few games. Having once been the Eastern Conference leaders, they now find themselves in fourth, and third in the Metropolitan Division. It isn’t a bad place to sit, of course, but recent games have left things to be concerned about. They managed to snap a three-game losing streak as they returned to their usual offensive form on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche.
However, as they took on the New York Islanders, there was an offensive slip in the second period which ultimately cost them the game. The first frame of the game was good for the Canes, as Andrei Svechnikov managed a powerplay goal 15 minutes in while they fired 10 shots on goal. The next frame was not their usual game. Though Svechnikov scored once more on the power play, they only made two shots and allowed four goals. By the time the final frame was played, they had poured more into offence and fired 19 shots. Jesperi Kotkaniemi was able to get the team one last goal after Pyotr Kochetkov hit the bench for the extra skater. While the game had been pulled to a one-goal difference, the Canes ultimately ran out of time as the game finished with a 4-3 score.
NHL Predictions Featuring the San Jose Sharks at the Carolina Hurricanes
In most standard stats, the Carolina Hurricanes are leading compared to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks, however, do have a slight numbers advantage in the crease when it comes to save percentage. A lot of this game will likely ride on whether the Sharks can up their defence to protect the net and get pucks down the ice.
With that being said, the main thing that the Canes are known for as of late has been offence. They have a mean shooting percentage of 11.2% and have fired over 100 shots above the league average. Shooting from anywhere and everywhere all the time to cause chaos has been the Canes’ style for the past few seasons, and how the Sharks handle that could be the underdogs’ keys to victory.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2
Your Nightly Bets
FanDuel has the game sitting with an over/under of 6.5 goals, with under being the slight favourite. Talking about anytime goalscorers, Andrei Svechnikov (+150) has been on a tear in the past couple of games, notching his first four-point night on Thursday. In the past two games, he has scored three goals. Another Canes player I would consider is Jack Roslovic (+270), who currently sits in second on the team for goals. As for the Sharks, Macklin Celebrini (+270) and Tyler Toffoli (+300) could prove to be worth it.
Both of these teams have not been especially consistent in shots in the past few games. As such, I would advise against diving into save bets for goalies in this game.
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Main Photo: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: December 10 with San Jose Sharks at Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.