Welcome back to this Monday edition of NHL Predictions. Today’s matchup sees the San Jose Sharks make their inaugural trip to Utah. Today, like everyday, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions for all the NHL’s games.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at Utah Hockey Club
Time: 9:00 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
TV: Utah16, NBCSCA, ESPN+
2023-24 Season Series: Arizona won (3-0-0)
When Will It End for the Sharks?
As more games have been played this year, the Sharks have been seemingly more dreadful with each one. The team started strong, with Macklin Celebrini playing like the first overall pick. However, after his injury, the team has not found success offensively. Unquestionably, Mikael Granlund has been the best forward for the club. He has ten points in seven games and has logged over 20 minutes per game. Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund have also been bright spots. Defensively, San Jose has been dreadful. They have surrendered three or more goals in all but one game so far, and have not found consistency in the net.
Young Defenceman Provides Suprising Spark for San Jose Sharks
Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood haven’t been able to give San Jose much between the pipes. Both players have a save percentage under .900. Blackwood has been the better of the two, but neither has led the team to a win. However, Yaroslav Askarov has dominated the AHL, so we may see him with the Sharks in the not-too-distant future. He would provide a spark for the club that is much needed. San Jose is now the only team in NHL history to start back-to-back seasons with nine-straight losses. Expect Blackwood to be between the pipes in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The First Season in Salt Lake City
After the 2024 offseason, many expected the Utah Hockey Club to be a shoo-in for the playoffs. But at this point in the season, the team is on the outside looking in. Clayton Keller has continued his dominance, as he’s up to nine points in nine games. Nick Schmaltz and Logan Cooley have eight and seven points, respectively. The two have been the key playmakers for the team, with just one goal between the two of them. Dylan Guenther exploded onto the scene and has five goals in the first seven games. He has emerged as the bonafide goalscoring threat that has defined his game. Defensively, Mikhail Sergachev has predictably taken over the number one defenceman spot. He has five points. Utah will be without Sean Durzi, however, as he suffered an upper-body injury and is out for 4-6 months.
Connor Ingram has taken the reigns so far as the starting goaltender. He has started seven of the team’s ten games and posted a .862 SV%. Karel Vejmelka is coming off a tough start against the Avalanche on Thursday. He surrendered five goals, while facing just 26 shots. Since Ingram appears to be the number one, expect him between the pipes in this matchup.
Prediction
This is an interesting matchup on paper. Neither team can seem to get timely saves and have the talent up front to generate chances. San Jose could be competitive in this game but expect Utah to come out with the win.
Prediction: Utah wins 5-4
We’ve also got some props for you from Fanduel. The over/under is set at 5.5, and we like the over to hit. We’ve also got some player props for you to consider. We like Guenther to score a goal at +190 and Toffoli to find the back of the net at +220. If you wanted to parlay Guenther to score and Utah to win, those odds are at +270.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Gray – USA TODAY Sports
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