In this article we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Sharks prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, March 28th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 38-23-11 this season after they lost to the Canadiens by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Columbus tied the game at one in the first period, but they couldn’t find anymore offense in the low scoring loss. The Blue Jackets out shot Montreal by a total of 26-20, won 48.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Columbus got their lone goal from Severson, while Greaves stopped 18 out of 20 shots, which was a .900 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Flyers by a score of 3-2, but lost to the Islanders by a score of 1-0 before that. The Blue Jackets have won five of their last seven games and they are currently third in the Metro standings with 87 points. Columbus has scored 3.14 goals per game and they have allowed 3.03 goals against per game, while also going 20.0% on the power play and 78.2% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 21 goals and 56 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 25 goals and 34 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Jet Greaves, who is 24-14-8 with a 2.56 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this season.
San Jose Sharks Betting Preview
The San Jose Sharks are 32-31-7 this year after they lost to the Blues in overtime by a score of 2-1 in their last game. San Jose tied the game at one early in the third period, but they allowed a goal with just three seconds left in OT for the loss. The Sharks out shot St. Louis by a total of 25-23, won 42.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. San Jose got their lone goal from Wennberg, while Askarov stopped all 11 shots and Nedeljkovic stopped 10 out of 12.
Prior to that game, San Jose lost to the Predators by a score of 6-3 and the Flyers by a score of 4-1. The Sharks have lost six games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Pacific standings with 71 points. San Jose has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 3.57 goals against per game, while also going 19.8% on the power play and 79.0% on the penalty kill this season. Macklin Celebrini has led SJ with 35 goals and 61 assists, while Will Smith has added 21 goals and 26 assists. The projected starting goalie for San Jose is Alex Nedeljkovic, who is 13-13-4 with a 3.00 goals against average and an .893 save percentage this year.
Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win
- The Sharks have lost each of their last six games.
- The Blue Jackets have won each of their last four home games against the Sharks.
- The home team has covered the puck line in seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games.
- The Sharks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games at Nationwide Arena.
- The Blue Jackets have won the third period in each of their last five games as favorites against Western Conference opponents when leading after the second period.
Why the San Jose Sharks will win
- The Sharks have won three of their last four games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in nine of their last 10 games as favorites following a road loss.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in 13 of the Blue Jackets’ last 15 games.
- The road team has won the third period in each of the Sharks’ last four games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Sharks’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the Blue Jackets’ last six games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 10 of the Sharks’ last 11 games after coming off overtime.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Boone Jenner has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances against the Sharks.
- Boone Jenner has recorded an assist in each of his last seven appearances with the Blue Jackets as home favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
San Jose Sharks Player Prop Facts
- Pavol Regenda has scored a goal in each of his last four appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Macklin Celebrini has recorded at least one assist in five of the Sharks’ last six road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank T3rd in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (3).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of only four teams to lose multiple games when leading by three or more goals this season.
- The San Jose Sharks rank 31st in the league for goals against per game this season (3.57).
- The San Jose Sharks have recorded the largest comeback win this season – trailed by four goals vs Penguins on December, 13.
Blue Jackets vs Sharks Prediction
San Jose comes into this matchup really struggling over the last six games and they have scored one goal or fewer in three of their last four. The Sharks are 15-19-2 on the road this year, while the Blue Jackets are 20-8-7 at home. Columbus has won five of their last seven games and they have allowed two goals or fewer in four straight. Take the under in this contest, as San Jose is really struggling to score right now.