Welcome to our latest installment of NHL Predictions! Each day we take a look at matchups around the league and highlight key stories and predictions. With Christmas Day being less than two weeks away, we know many of you are busy with holiday celebrations. As such, we appreciate you joining us for another predictions installment. Today, our predictions take us to St. Louis. The St. Louis Blues are playing host to the San Jose Sharks in a Western Conference matchup.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks
Time: 8:00 Eastern Time
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, NBC Sports Bay Area and California
Head-to-Head
The Blues and Sharks meet on Thursday for the third and final time this season. The Blues won both games in extra time, with the first going into overtime and the second going to a shootout. Furthermore, the first game saw the Blues rally in the third period to erase a 4-1 deficit and force overtime. The Blues will look to sweep the season series and get revenge for the Sharks sweeping them last season. In addition, if the Blues complete the season sweep, it will be the third time in four seasons that a team has swept the season series between the two teams.
Blues Returning Home After Strong Road Trip
The Blue Note return home after a 3-1 road trip. The team beat teams currently in a playoff position. This includes a 4-3 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday to conclude the road trip. Many things have been clicking for the Blues, as noted by forward Robert Thomas after the game on Tuesday.
“Confidence in making plays,” Thomas said when asked what has led to the recent success. “Some of our young guys have taken big steps. [Holloway] and [Zack] Bolduc have been playing lights out the last six, seven games, and they’ve been leading the way for scoring depth and our whole lineup is just clicking right now.”
Things have certainly been clicking for the Blues. From Jim Montgomery joining the Blues as head coach to Thomas returning to the lineup, it is certainly a fun time to be a Blues fan. H
However, there is still work to be done if the team wants to contend for a playoff spot. The ingredients are there for the Blues to make noise in the Western Conference. Thursday is the next step in the process.
Sharks Look to End Losing Streak
The rebuilding Sharks enter Thursday’s game looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Their most recent loss saw them fail to hold a 2-1 third period lead in Carolina. Furthermore, former Shark Brent Burns scored the game-tying goal.
However, things are not all bad in San Jose. Over their last ten games, the team has averaged just over three goals a game. First overall pick Macklin Celebrini has four goals and seven assists over his last ten games. The Sharks are creating opportunities to win games. They are just failing to finish these games in key moments.
The Sharks will look to right in the ship in St. Louis before returning to their home fans. A road win against a hot Blues team could create some momentum as the Sharks head back home.
Prediction
They say a losing streak is about to be over when a team loses a game they should have won. Well, the Sharks had the third period lead on Tuesday, but it slipped away from them. However, the Blues are playing too good right now. It will be a close game, but it is hard to bet against the Blue Note right now.
Blues win 4-3, possibly in overtime or a shootout.
Prop Bets
FanDuel has set the over/under at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with seven goals total.
For prop bets, we like Robert Thomas as an anytime scorer at +210. For the Sharks, we are taking Macklin Celebrini at +190.
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
