The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their West Coast road trip with a game against the San Jose Sharks. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. Tonight, the Penguins look to shake off their recent struggles, while the Sharks aim to snap a six-game losing streak.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; NBC Sports California; ESPN+
This is the second and final meeting of the season between these two teams. Pittsburgh won the first game 4-3 with a shootout victory in their earlier matchup.
The Penguins Story
With a 20-23-8 record, it seems as though the Penguins season is over. There are rumours abound that the team is willing to move off most of the team save for a select few players. With their measly record, the team sits as the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference. The team is led in scoring by Sidney Crosby. The captain has 52 points in 51 games. Rickard Rakell has had a great season, scoring 42 points in 50 games including 23 goals. Rakell’s bounce-back season could net a great return if Pittsburgh decided to move him out.
Defensively, Erik Karlsson leads the way in scoring with 32 points in 51 games. Unfortunately, Karlsson has struggled with the defensive end of things, being on the ice for many goals-against. In net, Alex Nedeljkovic is likely to get the start. He is 9-8-4 this season, with just a .893 save percentage. Nedeljkovic will have to be far better than his record for the Penguins to get a victory in this one.
The Sharks Story
The rebuild of the San Jose Sharks is going just as according to plan. Their 14-32-6 record places them at the bottom of the league. The current projected first overall pick Matthew Schaefer would fill a significant role on defence that the Sharks need to fill. In addition to positioning themselves for a high draft pick, the Sharks rookies have been progressing in their development.
First-overall pick Macklin Celebrini has 35 points in 40 games. Celebrini’s rookie season has placed him in Calder Trophy talks. Fellow high-round picks William Eklund and William Smith have been producing as well. Eklund has had a productive season with 37 points in 47 games. Smith has 20 points through 44 games in his rookie season, showing an ability to get on the score sheet. In net, rookie Yaroslav Askarov will likely get the start in net. He has lost three straight and will be looking to rebound in his inaugural NHL season.
Prediction
Both teams are struggling, but Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons and special teams give them the edge. San Jose’s defensive issues and lack of depth will make it difficult for them to keep up with a Penguins team desperate for points.
NHL Prediction: Penguins win 4-3
Prop Bet for the Night
For prop bets of the night, FanDuel has total goals over 7 with +154 odds. With two high-powered offensive teams colliding, expect a rough game for the goaltenders.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 27 Pittsburgh Penguins vs San Jose Sharks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.