In this article we will formulate a Golden Knights vs Sharks prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 23rd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights are 16-8-10 this year after they lost to Edmonton by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Vegas allowed the first four goals in the game, but they cut the deficit to 4-3 in the third, before coming up short in the comeback attempt. The Golden Knights out shot Edmonton by a total of 29-21, won 53.7% of the face-offs, and went 2-5 on the power play in the game. Vegas got goals from Dorofeyev, Hertl, and Marner, while Hart stopped 17 out of 21 shots, which was an .810 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Vegas lost to the Flames by a score of 6-3 and the Devils by a score of 2-1. The Golden Knights have lost three games in a row and they are currently second in the Pacific standings with 42 points. Vegas has scored 2.76 goals per game and they have allowed 2.76 goals against per game, while also going 25.9% on the power play and 81.4% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel has led Vegas with 12 goals and 29 assists, but he is day to day, while Mitch Marner has added seven goals and 29 assists. The projected starting goalie for Vegas is Carter Hart, who is 3-1-2 with a 2.56 goals against average and a .903 save percentage this year.
San Jose Sharks Betting Preview
The San Jose Sharks are 17-16-3 this season after they lost to Seattle by a score of 4-2 in their last game. San Jose led 2-1 in the third period, but they allowed the last three goals for the disappointing loss. The Sharks out shot Seattle by a total of 36-32, won 44.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. San Jose got goals from Gaudette and Graf, while Askarov stopped 28 out of 31 shots, which was a .903 save percentage.
Prior to that game, San Jose lost to the Stars by a score of 5-3, but did beat the Flames by a score of 6-3 before that. The Sharks have lost two games in a row and they are currently fifth in the Pacific standings with 37 points. San Jose has scored 2.94 goals per game and they have allowed 3.36 goals against per game, while also going 18.3% on the power play and 78.1% on the penalty kill this season. Macklin Celebrini has led SJ with 18 goals and 36 assists, while Will Smith (IR) has added 12 goals and 17 assists. The projected starting goalie for San Jose is Yaroslav Askarov, who is 12-9-1 with a 3.22 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this season.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights will win
- The Golden Knights have won each of their last nine games against the Sharks.
- The Sharks have lost 12 of their last 13 road games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 home games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Sharks have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Sharks have lost the third period in each of their last eight games at T-Mobile Arena following a loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Golden Knights’ last six games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Sharks’ last eight games as underdogs following a loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between two teams from the Pacific Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last seven games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in nine of the Sharks’ last 10 games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts
- Pavel Dorofeyev has scored a goal in three of the Golden Knights’ last four games.
- Jack Eichel has recorded an assist in each of his last 10 appearances against the Sharks.
San Jose Sharks Player Prop Facts
- John Klingberg has scored at least one goal in three of the Sharks’ last four road games.
- Macklin Celebrini has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sharks’ last six games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Jeff Skinner has scored the first goal in three of his last four appearances with his team as an underdog against the Golden Knights.
Golden Knights vs Sharks Prediction
Vegas comes into this matchup trying to snap a three game losing streak, but they have allowed 12 goals during that span. The Golden Knights are 7-4-5 at home this year, while the Sharks are 7-9-0 on the road. San Jose has lost two in a row and they have allowed at least four goals in three of their last four. The Sharks are a fun team to watch, but they don’t play much defense and their special teams are very average. It looks like Vegas may get Eichel back for this game, so I will take the Golden Knights by at least two here.