After a decisive 4-1 win against the Seattle Kraken to open the regular season, the Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0, 1st in Pacific Division) are set to clash with the San Jose Sharks in what promises to be an excellent game between two Pacific division rivals. The game is especially significant for the Sharks, as it marks their first regular-season game. The Sharks are looking to make a statement after a preseason that included a 2-0 win over these very same Golden Knights. 

Golden Knights Off to a Flying Start

The Vegas Golden Knights are riding high, claiming the top spot in the Pacific Division with a 1-0-0 record and 2 points, albeit after just one game. Their 4-1 victory to open the season over the Seattle Kraken showcased their prowess on both offense and defense. Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev each scored one goal in the season opener while Adin Hill made 32 saves in goal for the Golden Knights. In seven home openers, Vegas improved to 6-1-0, with the only loss to Philadelphia in 2018.

Mark Stone and Stephenson are the points leaders for Vegas after one game with two each, as Stone had a pair of assists and Stephenson scored one goal and added an assist. Vegas opened the season with 28 shots on goal, while allowing Seattle to take 33 shots. However, the team is dealing with a few injuries, with Zach Whiteclouid and Alec Martinez out indefinitely, while William Carrier left Tuesday’s season opener during the second period after injuring his upper body and did not return to the ice. Carrier is currently listed as day-to-day. 

Vegas Golden Knights Team Facts

• The Golden Knights have won eight of their last nine games at SAP Center at San Jose.
• The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in each of their last eight night games following a home win.
• The home team has won the third period in each of the Golden Knights’ last six games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last 15 games against Pacific Division opponents.

San Jose Sharks 2023-24: A Rebuild in the Deep End

The San Jose Sharks are diving into the 2023-24 NHL season with a roster that’s a mix of fresh faces and seasoned vets. The team is under the guidance of Coach David Quinn for his second season. Last year, the Sharks finished seventh in the Pacific Division, missing the playoffs. The offseason saw a huge shift with the trade of Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This leaves a void but also an opportunity for players like Logan Couture, who is recovering from a lower-body injury. The Sharks have also brought in goalie Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes, signing him to a two-year, $4.7 million contract. Blackwood aims to improve the team’s goaltending stats, which were the worst in the league last season.

On the offensive end, the Sharks are looking to bounce back from a lackluster performance last season. They ranked 25th in scoring and had a subpar power play. However, there’s a silver lining: prospects like William Eklund and Will Smith are showing promise, and the team has added firepower with Anthony Duclair and Mike Hoffman. Filip Zadina, a new addition, is another player to watch. He’s looking for a fresh start after his stint with the Detroit Red Wings ended prematurely due to injury. With these moves, the Sharks are clearly in rebuild mode but have enough talent to make some noise in the Pacific Division. Keep an eye on this squad; they might just surprise you.

San Jose Sharks Team Facts

• The Sharks have lost each of their last 12 night games against opponents on a winning streak.
• The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Sharks’ last five games.
• The Sharks have lost the third period in each of their last seven games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Sharks’ last six night games at SAP Center at San Jose against opponents on a winning streak.

David’s Pick: Golden Knights -245

Based on current form and overall talent differential, the Vegas Golden Knights are the clear pick for the win. Balanced scoring in game one of the regular season, with four players each netting once, will make it hard for the San Jose blue line to focus on any one or two players. Adin Hill started strong in goal for Vegas stopping 32 of 33 shots he faced. Vegas will be on the road but last season the Golden Knights were an impressive 26-7-8 away from home, while San Jose was a disappointing 8-22-11 at home a season ago. The Sharks are in a rebuilding phase, still trying to find their footing. Despite some promising new talent, they’re coming off a season where they ranked 25th in scoring and had the worst goaltending stats in the league. While Mackenzie Blackwood is a hopeful addition between the pipes, it’s unlikely he’ll be enough to stave off the Knights’ relentless attack.