Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Let’s start the week with the San Jose Sharks taking on the Detroit Red Wings. 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 Detroit is an important one for both sides, as they each look to get back in the win column. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings at San Jose Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: FDSNDET, NBCSCA, ESPN+
San Jose Hoping Return to Home Ice Leads to Win
On Saturday, the Sharks battled back to earn a point against the Pittsburgh Penguins, closing out their four-game road trip. San Jose also lost to the Rangers on Thursday, leaving their record on the trip at 1-1-2. Following an assist against New York, Tyler Toffoli netted two goals, bringing his season total to eight. He and Mikael Granlund are tied for the team lead goals. Fabian Zetterlund and William Eklund each have 13 points, and both had a helper on Saturday night. Both players have given the club reason to be excited about the future. After a rough opening to his career, Will Smith was put with Macklin Celebrini and registered an assist. It will be interesting to see if those two remain on a line together. On the backend, Jake Walman will look to continue his strong play against his former team. The former Red Wing is up to ten points after assisting the game-tying marker in the third period against the Pens.
In the net, Vitek Vanecek started against the Penguins but did not return after the opening frame. There are no specifics for his injury yet, so it’s unclear how long he’ll be out. In relief, Mackenzie Blackwood was a brick wall. He made 25 saves on 26 shots and allowed the Sharks to mount a comeback. The biggest question in the minds of Sharks’ fans is if this means Yaroslav Askarov will get called up? If Vanecek is placed on injured reserve, there will be a free roster spot for it to happen. For now, it is expected Blackwood will get the start against Detroit.
Blackwood didn’t know that Crosby was a goal away from 600. Crosby got the best of him for No. 599 and the shootout, but Blackwood’s best saves tonight were also against Sid.
“Unbelievable,” Dellandrea said of Blackwood’s 25-of-26 relief performance. “I remember 3 backdoor…
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) November 17, 2024
Red Wings Aiming to Right the Ship
Following a disappointing two games against Anaheim and Los Angeles, the Red Wings are trying to get back in the win column. To compound the issue, Detroit comes into this game having lost four of their last five games. The team is looking for a much-needed win to close out this California trip. Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond are the catalysts for Detroit’s offence, as each has 16 points to lead the club. Captain Dylan Larkin has ten goals in 16 games and is among the NHL’s best faceoff takers. Patrick Kane and Andrew Copp are also contributors for the Red Wings. Defensively, Moritz Seider leads Detroit’s defencemen with ten points, four coming on the power play. Despite his point totals, however, the rest of Detroit’s blueline hasn’t contributed much offence. Youngster Simon Edvinsson has six points, while the trio of Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry, and Erik Gustafsson has just six points combined.
In net, 37-year-old Cam Talbot has played well in his nine starts. He’s sporting a .927 SV% and is rewarded with five wins. Alex Lyon has started in six games with a .903 SV%. When in the net, Talbot has shown that he gives Detroit the best chance to win. After seeing the net against the Kings on Saturday, expect him back between the pipes against San Jose.
Prediction
In terms of playoff hopes, this feels like a crucial game for the Red Wings. Leaving California with no wins against Western Conference opponents would feel like a missed opportunity. The Sharks’ last four games have been one-goal games. The Red Wings should come out with a sense of urgency, but San Jose should keep it close. Ultimately, Detroit should come out victorious.
Prediction: Detroit wins 4-3
We like a bit of scoring in this matchup, and according to Fanduel, the over/under is 6.5, with the over at +104 odds.
Main Photo Credit: Stan Szeto – Imagn Images
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