Welcome back to this Hallowe’en edition of NHL Predictions. Today’s matchup sees the San Jose Sharks continue their homestand against the Chicago Blackhawks. Today, like every day, 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
Chicago Blackhawks at San Jose Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
TV: CHSN, NBCSCA, ESPN+
2024-25 Season Series: Chicago leads (1-0-0)
The Resurgent Sharks
Since the last time we put out a Sharks edition of NHL predictions, the team has won both games that they’ve played. The Sharks had a dramatic, come-from-behind win against the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night, then defeated the Los Angeles Kings the following night. The Sharks’ best players stepped up in each game. Mikael Granlund has continued his red-hot start to the season. He led the comeback with three points against Utah. Tyler Toffoli found the back of the net in both games and brought his goal total to six. William Eklund and Alexander Wennberg each played a big role in San Jose’s first two wins. Jake Walman has also anchored the Sharks’ defensive core. He had six points in the two wins.
In the net, Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek earned a win. Blackwood surrendered all four goals to Utah in the first two periods before anchoring down and giving the Sharks a chance to come back. Against the Kings, Vanecek stopped 26 of 28 shots faced and provided a calming presence against a good offence. With his strong play, Vanecek may have earned himself the start against the Blackhawks, though it is still to be determined.
The Blackhawks Looking to Build Some Momentum
The Blackhawks are coming off a solid win on the road against the red-hot Colorado Avalanche. Ryan Donato netted two goals and brought his season point total to six. Although he was held pointless against Colorado, Connor Bedard has continued his hot start to the year. He is up to nine points on the season. Teuvo Teravainen and Seth Jones each have seven points for the Blackhawks. Jones and Alex Vlasic have both seen time on the power play in recent games. Chicago is still aiming to figure out which one will continue on the top unit.
In net, Petr Mrazek got the win against the Avalanche. He has clearly taken the reins as the starting goaltender, with eight starts compared to the two for Arvid Soderblom. Laurent Brossoit is still on injured reserve, so the tandem of Mrazek and Soderblom will continue to anchor the net. As for the game against San Jose, Chicago may elect to go with Soderblom, his first action since Oct. 19 against the Sabres.
Prediction
Both the Sharks and Blackhawks are looking to build upon some recent success. For the Sharks, Granlund and Toffoli have been on fire recently, while William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund have found their stride. At the moment, it appears that San Jose’s offensive depth can pose some challenges to Chicago. Defensively for the Blackhawks, however, they match up well. Jones, Vlasic and Connor Murphy are all solid defencemen who know how to limit chances. Both teams are on a winning streak, but we like the way that the Sharks have battled in the last few games.
Prediction: San Jose wins 3-2
We’ve also got some bets for you from Fanduel. Connor Bedard to find the back of the net is +170, which we like. For the Sharks, Will Smith has yet to get on the board and now would be a good time. Those odds are a long shot at +380.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks – USA TODAY Sports
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