Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today’s matchup sees the San Jose Sharks take on the loaded New York Rangers. 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. This matchup between San Jose and the Rangers will give the Sharks a test at the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at New York Rangers
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBCSCA, MSG, ESPN+
Sharks Seeking Winning Record on Eastern Conference Swing
San Jose comes into this game 1-0-1 so far on their four-game East Coast road trip. Their shootout loss to the Flyers on Monday was disappointing, as the team crawled back from a 3-0 deficit and got the game to extra time. Despite the result, the Sharks have some positives to build from heading into New York. Mikael Granlund conducted the comeback with a goal and assist in the second period. He continued his above-point-per-game pace with 18 on the year. Jack Thompson and Barclay Goodrow also found the back of the net for San Jose. Thompson has continued his strong play since being called up in October. He has five points in ten games. William Eklund also registered two assists, which brought his total to nine on the year. In addition, Henry Thrun played a major role in the game. He played over 25 minutes in the game, registered two assists and blocked two shots.
Between the pipes, San Jose has gotten great goaltending over the first two games of the road trip. Against New Jersey on Sunday, Mackenzie Blackwood stifled his old team with a 44-save shutout. Although not reflected in the win column, Blackwood has given the Sharks steady goaltending when in the crease. The same can also be said for Vitek Vanecek. He faced 43 shots against Philadelphia, the second-most so far, and turned away 40. Vanecek has put together strong performances in three of his last four games while running into trouble against the Wild. The two have split starts this year and should continue that trend. Expect Blackwood between the pipes as San Jose looks to clinch a winning East Coast road trip.
Rangers Aiming to Bounce Back
After dropping Tuesday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, the Rangers are looking to get back in the win column. The team lost 6-3 and struggled in the third period, leading to the defeat. The biggest bright spot against the Jets was Will Cuylle. He had one goal and one assist on a tally by Kaapo Kakko. Filip Chytil had the other assist on Kakko’s marker. Fresh off of signing a seven-year contract extension, Alexis Lafreniere also found the back of the net. The 23-year-old has been one of New York’s best players, with 12 points in 14 games. However, the Rangers offensive attack still runs through Artemi Panarin. The Russian superstar is among the league leaders with 22 points. Mika Zibanejad is also near the Rangers’ leaders in points with 11, nine being assists. Defensively, Adam Fox continues to be one of the best offensive defencemen in the league. He has 12 points, all assists, on the year. Braden Schneider also registered two assists against the Jets to bring his season total to five.
In the net, Igor Shesterkin is playing like his usual Vezina-calibre self. He has a .913 SV% and is the key anchor for the Rangers. His backup, Jonathan Quick, is perhaps playing even better. In his three starts, Quick has a staggering .964 SV% with each start resulting in a Rangers win. Shesterkin is the clear starter for this team, so expect him in the net against the Sharks.
Prediction
On paper, the Rangers have a clear advantage in every category. They have both high-end talent and depth in their forward group, a strong blueline and one of the best goaltenders on the planet. The Sharks may be able to ride their hot goaltending, but New York should be able to take care of business.
Prediction: New York wins 4-1
We also have some odds on this game from Fanduel. On the spread, New York is -1.5, which has -154 odds. To put the puck in the back of the net, Macklin Celebrini is +320, while Reilly Smith is +280. Both of those players’ value is something to keep an eye on.
Main Photo Credit: Stan Szeto – Imagn Images
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