Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Today, we are looking at a game between two of the youngest teams in the NHL, as the San Jose Sharks travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions as the 2024-25 season wears on.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks
Time: 8:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CHSN, NBCSCA, ESPN+
2023-24 head-to-head matchups: San Jose lost (0-1-2)
Sharks Searching for Their First Win of the Year
The Sharks have had a frustrating start to the 2024-25 season. They have been in every game but haven’t been able to close out with a win. However, despite having nothing to show for it, San Jose’s overall play is better than a year ago. The team is playing harder, more structured defensively and getting better goaltending. The injury to Macklin Celebrini has been a big blow to the Sharks’ offensive attack, however.
Celebrini only played in the first game of the year, but is one of two players with multiple points. Tyler Toffoli is the other, who has two goals and three points. Fabian Zetterlund, William Eklund and Mikael Granlund are also on the stat sheet for the young season. In net, both Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek have had fantastic starts to the season. Each netminder has a SV% of .910 or higher.
Vanecek will likely see the net in this first game of a double-header.
Blackhawks Looking to Continue Their Strong Offensive Start
The Blackhawks will take the ice at home for the first time this year after a season-opening four-game road trip. Chicago’s start has been highlighted by their offensive attack, headlined by Connor Bedard. The teenage phenom has five points in four games while also leading the Blackhawks’ red-hot powerplay. Off-season signing Teuvo Teravainen and top defenseman Seth Jones join Bedard with five points each.
Between the pipes, Petr Mrazek has seen action in three of the team’s four games, posting a .910 SV%. Arvid Soderblom‘s lone start was a great one, as he made 33 saves on 35 shots against the high-powered Winnipeg Jets. Soderblom struggled last year, as he ranked towards the bottom of the league in both SV% and GAA among full-time NHLers. His bounce-back provides a welcomed spark for a young Blackhawks roster. Expect Soderblom to find himself between the pipes against San Jose.
Prediction
Through the first few games of the season, Chicago seems to have the offensive advantage. This is compounded by the injury to Celebrini. In addition, Eklund is dealing with an upper-body injury that kept him out of practice on Wednesday. His status for the game is up in the air. That being said, the Sharks’ defensive core is improved from a year ago, and their goaltending has kept them in games. However, San Jose’s injuries may be too much to overcome offensively, and the Blackhawks should play inspired in their home opener.
Prediction: Blackhawks win 3-2
We’ve got some player props for you, as well. According to Fanduel, Bedard at +1000 as the first goal scorer has some good value to it. If you’re looking for some any-time goal scorers, we like Zetterlund at +250 and Teravainen at +195.
Main Photo: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
