Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. This edition of NHL Predictions brings us to Manitoba, where the San Jose Sharks take on the Winnipeg Jets in their first meeting of the season. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions as the 2024-25 season wears on.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBCSCA, TSN3, ESPN+
2023-24 season series: San Jose lost (1-2-0)
Jets Aim to Continue Undefeated Start
The Jets have had a strong beginning to the season. They started with a 6-0 beatdown of the Edmonton Oilers, before winning their next two games in overtime against Chicago and Minnesota. 2023-24 Vezina trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck has gotten off to a fantastic start. He’s started all three games and has a .976 SV%. He has also earned the win in each start.
Offensively, Winnipeg has seven players with multiple points, highlighted by Mark Scheifele. He has four goals and six points to lead the offensive attack. Defenseman Josh Morrissey has four points, all assists from the back end. Two have been with the man advantage, a group converting at 42.9%. The Jets also come into this game with a clean bill of health and a few days rest. The club may decide to give Hellebuyck some extra time to rest up and start backup Eric Comrie in this contest.
Sharks Still Trying to Find Their Footing
San Jose is still in search of their first win after the Blackhawks bested them yesterday. The team’s offensive woes continue without Celebrini, as they scored just two goals against Chicago. Defensively, they were loose, as the Blackhawks scored four times and doubled the Sharks in shots. Tyler Toffoli and Fabian Zetterlund got on the board, but the Sharks struggled to generate chances. They will look to get on track against Winnipeg.
In the net, Vitek Vanecek wasn’t his usual self as Chicago made a few offensive pushes. He made some good saves, but ultimately not enough. Mackenzie Blackwood will almost certainly find himself between the pipes against Winnipeg. He’ll look to continue his strong start to the year.
Prediction
This is the second game of a back-to-back for the Sharks, while the Jets have some extra rest. In addition, Winnipeg’s offensive attack has been red-hot to start the year, while San Jose has had some trouble finding the back of the net. The club is also dealing with some injuries to the forward group and may struggle to keep up with the high-flying Jets.
Prediction: Jets win 4-1
According to Fanduel, the spread currently has the Jets at -1.5, which we think is a pretty safe play.
Main Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
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