The San Jose Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings meet in NHL action from the Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night. Can the Sharks pull off another win on Thursday after a rough start to the year? Or will the Red Wings keep up their strong run of form? Let’s dive in, take a look and give a Sharks vs. Red Wings Prediction.
San Jose Sharks Team Preview
The San Jose Sharks come into this game looking to build on a 5-4 OT win over the Islanders last time out. Tomas Hertl has 7 goals and a team-high 14 assists for his team-leading 21 points while Fabian Zetterlund has 10 points with a team-high 7 goals. Mikael Granlund has 13 points with 11 assists while William Eklund also has 12 points with 6 goals and 6 assists on the year. MacKenzie Blackwood’s gone 3-11-2 between the pipes for the Sharks this season, posting a 3.72 GAA and an .899 save percentage while Kaapo Kahkonen is 4-6 with a 3.96 GAA and an .896 save percentage this season.
San Jose Sharks Team Facts
- The Sharks have lost each of their last nine games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sharks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sharks have lost the third period in eight of their last nine games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Sharks’ last six games after coming off overtime.
Detroit Red Wings Team Preview
The Detroit Red Wings come into this one looking to add to their three-game win streak after a 5-3 win over Buffalo last time out. Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings in scoring with 24 points along with 10 goals and a team-high 14 assists while Alex DeBrincat has 24 points with a team-high 13 goals and 11 apples. Lucas Raymond has 20 points with 8 goals and 12 assists while J.T. Compher and Shayne Gostisbehere have 19 points apiece with a combined 27 assists between the two. Ville Husso has gone 8-4-1 in goal for Detroit this season with a 3.48 GAA and an .891 save percentage while James Reimer is 2-2-2 with a .917 save percentage and 2.30 GAA and Alex Lyon is 4-1 with a 1.61 GAA and a .947 save percentage this season.
Detroit Red Wings Team Facts
- The Red Wings have lost three of their last four games as home favorites following a road win.
- The Red Wings have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Red Wings’ last 14 games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Red Wings have won the second period in seven of their last eight night games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Detroit Red Wings ranks 3rd in the league for goals per game this season (3.79).
- The Detroit Red Wings ranks 1st in the league for Period 2 goals scored per game this season (1.46).
- The San Jose Sharks ranks 32nd in the league for goals per game this season (2.00).
- The San Jose Sharks ranks 32nd in the league for goals against per game this season (4.00).
Sharks vs. Red Wings Prediction
I’m backing the Sharks +1.5 here. I just can’t help but be slightly impressed with what the Sharks have been able to do in a lot of their recent games and the Red Wings, while playing solid, have been involved in some close and high-scoring affairs. It wouldn’t surprise me if Detroit came out with some purpose here, but I think San Jose is a live dog here and at worst, they keep this one a one-goal game. Give me San Jose +1.5.
