Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks 1/1/23 NHL Picks, Predictions, Odds

The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks meet Sunday in NHL action at the United Center. The San Jose Sharks have lost 6 of their last 7 games. The Chicago Blackhawks have lost 8 of their last 9 games.

The San Jose Sharks are averaging 3 goals per game and are scoring on 22.8 percent of their power play opportunities. Timo Meier leads San Jose with 20 goals, Erik Karlsson has 37 assists and Tomas Hertl has 88 shots on goal. Defensively, the San Jose Sharks are allowing 3.6 goals per game and are killing 84.9 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Kaapo Kahkonen has allowed 52 goals on 401 shots faced, and James Reimer has allowed 63 goals on 617 shots.

The Chicago Blackhawks are averaging 2.3 goals per game and are scoring on 22.8 percent of their power play opportunities. Max Domi leads Chicago with 10 goals, Patrick Kane has 18 assists and Seth Jones has 58 shots on goal. Defensively, the Chicago Blackhawks are allowing 3.8 goals per game and are killing 70.2 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Petr Mrazek has given up 48 goals on 381 shots faced, and Arvid Soderblom has allowed 48 goals on 453 shots.

The Sharks are 16-35 in their last 51 games playing on 0 days rest and 17-35 in their last 52 road games. The Blackhawks are 15-36 in their last 51 home games and 12-39 in their last 51 overall. The over is 21-7-1 in Sharks last 29 overall. The over is 4-1 in Blackhawks last 5 home games. The home team is 26-12 in the last 38 meetings. The favorite is 41-16 in the last 57 meetings.

I’m not running to the window to back either of these teams that are falling apart before our eyes. Both teams have defensive issues. With that said, we have two losing teams, and they’re both on the end of a back to back. If forced to pick, I’d give the edge to the Blackhawks, who are at home. It’s the only edge I have in this spot between two struggling clubs. Give me the team that’s at home.