In this article we will formulate a Sharks vs Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 2nd at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
San Jose Sharks Betting Preview
The San Jose Sharks are 35-31-7 this season after they defeated the Ducks by a score of 4-3 in their last game. San Jose trailed 3-2 in the third period, but they scored twice in the last two minutes to get a huge victory. The Sharks were out shot by a total of 31-21, won 58.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. San Jose got goals from Celebrini (2), Smith, and Wennberg, while Askarov stopped 28 out of 31 shots, which was a .903 save percentage.
Prior to that game, San Jose defeated the Blues by a score of 5-4 and the Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2. The Sharks have won three games in a row and they are currently fifth in the Pacific standings with 77 points. San Jose has scored 3.03 goals per game and they have allowed 3.56 goals against per game, while also going 21.0% on the power play and 78.4% on the penalty kill this season. Macklin Celebrini has led SJ with 40 goals and 65 assists, while Will Smith has added 22 goals and 32 assists. The projected starting goalie for San Jose is Alex Nedeljkovic, who is 14-13-4 with a 2.97 goals against average and an .893 save percentage this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 32-30-13 this year after they defeated the Ducks in overtime by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Toronto trailed 3-1 after two periods, but they ended up blowing a 4-3 lead with 1:39 left, before they won in OT. The Maple Leafs were out shot by a total of 32-29, won 43.1% of the face-offs, and went 2-4 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Knies, Nylander, Tavares (2), and Rielly, while Stolarz stopped 28 out of 32 shots, which was an .875 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Toronto lost to the Blues by a score of 5-1, but did beat the Rangers by a score of 4-3 before that. The Maple Leafs have won three of their last four games and they are currently seventh in the Atlantic standings with 77 points. Toronto has scored 3.12 goals per game and they have allowed 3.47 goals against per game, while also going 19.6% on the power play and 81.3% on the penalty kill this season. William Nylander has led Toronto with 26 goals and 45 assists, while Matthew Knies has added 21 goals and 39 assists. The projected starting goalie for Toronto is Joseph Woll, who is 15-14-6 with a 3.22 goals against average and a .904 save percentage this season.
Why the San Jose Sharks will win
- The Maple Leafs have lost seven of their last eight games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Maple Leafs have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games as underdogs following an overtime win.
- The Maple Leafs have lost the second period in five of their last six games.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win
- The Maple Leafs have won each of their last five games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Maple Leafs have won the third period in each of their last five games against Pacific Division opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Four of the Maple Leafs’ last five night games at SAP Center at San Jose have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last nine games after coming off overtime.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Auston Matthews has scored a goal in each of his six previous appearances in night games at SAP Center at San Jose.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances at SAP Center at San Jose.
Matchup/League Facts
- The San Jose Sharks rank 31st in the league for goals against per game this season (3.55).
- The San Jose Sharks have recorded the equal-most wins when trailing after Period 2 this season (7).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank T29th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.47).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank T5th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (81.73%).
Sharks vs Maple Leafs Prediction
San Jose comes into this matchup on a three game winning streak and they are making a serious push for the postseason. The Sharks are 19-12-5 at home this year, while the Maple Leafs are 14-18-5 on the road. Toronto has won three of their last four games and they have scored at least four goals in all three of those wins. The Maple Leafs are playing pretty well right now and they have gone over 6.5 goals in three of their last five, while the Sharks have gone over 6.5 goals in three of their last five. Take the over here.