Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions! Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks close out the regular season against the San Jose Sharks. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Season Series: Series tied 1-1
How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, NBCSCA
Location: United Center
Credit Image: © Ulrik Pedersen/ZUMA Press Wire
After the Hawks dominated the first meeting, San Jose bounced back and collected the win just nine days ago. Ryan Donato gave the Hawks a first-period lead, thanks to helpers from Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard. In the second, however, William Eklund and Kiefer Sherwood gave the Sharks a one-goal advantage before Will Smith extended the lead in the third. Nazar got one back for the Hawks on the power play and sparked a late push, but the team could not solve Alex Nedeljkovic. He made 27 saves, compared to Spencer Knight‘s 20. Expect another strong goaltending performance tonight.
Blackhawks Hoping to Cap Off Season with Win
The Hawks turned in another uninspiring performance on Monday against the Sabres, suffering a 5-1 defeat. Ryan Greene netted a shorthanded marker, but Buffalo responded with five unanswered goals to clinch the Atlantic Division. Ilya Mikheyev had an assist on the goal, giving him five points in his last five games, and bumping his career-high total to 36. The Hawks were only able to generate 16 shots on net and failed to cash in on any of their five power-play attempts. Spencer Knight made 21 saves and did not give the Hawks much support in the net. Expect Knight back between the pipes for the season finale.
This season-ending homestand has done nothing to inspire confidence in the Blackhawks. They have lost decisively in each matchup and surrendered over five goals in every game. In a lot of ways, tonight’s season finale is an end to a disappointing season. The Hawks will once again pick in the top five of the draft and faced some tough stretches with their top players, including injuries. The biggest bright spot has unquestionably been Anton Frondell, who has turned in nine points in his first 11 career games. He is one of the lone pieces that gives Hawks fans some hope. A win tonight would be a nice way to cap off the season.
Sharks Have Nothing to Hang Their Heads About
The Sharks did their job and picked up a hard-fought victory in Nashville on Monday night. After a scoreless first, Igor Chernyshov netted a power play marker in the second, with assists coming from William Eklund and Michael Misa. In the third, Macklin Celebrini took over, netting both goals to hold off the Predators’ attack, bringing his season point total to a staggering 112. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 25 shots to earn the win. San Jose’s netminder for tonight is still up in the air, so as always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information.
Unfortunately, the Sharks’ valiant effort was not rewarded as the Kings‘ win on Monday secured their playoff spot and knocked the Sharks out for the seventh consecutive season. That being said, the Sharks had a magical season and have no reason to feel anything but excited for the future. Namely, Celebrini has cemented himself as a legitimate superstar, with Will Smith being his perfect running mate. Additionally, so many of the Sharks’ young players turned in huge breakout campaigns, including Chernyshov, Collin Graf and William Eklund. Yaroslav Askarov battled a bit of an inconsistent season, but cemented himself as the team’s netminder for next season. Sharks fans have plenty of reason to be excited and are looking for a pair of wins to close out the season.
Game Prediction
The Hawks have not turned in great performances to close out the year. Expect the Sharks to earn another win and clinch the season series.
Prediction: San Jose wins 3-1
Prop Bet
Just quick for a pair of anytime goal scorers. For the Hawks, take Donato. Then, for the Sharks, the safe bet, go with Celebrini.
Main Photo: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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