Vegas Golden Knights (51-22-9 last season) vs. San Jose Sharks (22-44-16 last season)
Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks 10/12/23 – The 2023 NHL season is off to a roaring start with a much-anticipated face-off between the soaring Vegas Golden Knights and the struggling San Jose Sharks. Boasting a commendable 51-22-9 record last season, Vegas is undeniably one of the top contenders this year, whereas San Jose, holding onto a 22-44-16 record, seeks redemption. The encounter promises to be electric, set to take place at the iconic SAP Center in San Jose. Those on the lookout for no-cost NHL daily predictions, buckle up for a comprehensive breakdown.
Diving deep into the Golden Knights’ offense, it is easy to understand their dominance. Spearheaded by Center Jack Eichel with 27 goals and 39 assists, Vegas has been unyielding. Eichel’s partnership with Chandler Stephenson, who pitched in with 49 assists, and Jonathan Marchessault, with 28 goals, has been lethal. San Jose’s defense will have a tough time curbing this triumvirate. Given James Reimer’s 3.48 goals against per game last season, San Jose’s defense appears vulnerable against such a potent Vegas offense.
On the flip side, San Jose, despite their lackluster performance, boasts firepower in the form of Erik Karlsson, Logan Couture, and Tomas Hertl. Karlsson’s astounding 101 points from 82 games, combined with Couture’s 67 points and Hertl’s 63 points, form the offensive spine for the Sharks. They will undoubtedly test the defensive strategies of Vegas and, more importantly, the prowess of goalie Logan Thompson, who managed a decent 2.65 goals against per game last season.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks 10/12/23 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Logan Thompson vs. Goaltender James Reimer
Logan Thompson, the backbone of Vegas Golden Knights’ defensive lineup, showcased commendable stats last season. Playing in 37 games, he exhibited a robust presence in the net with a save percentage of 0.915. What stands out about Thompson is his resilience under pressure. Despite facing 1132 shots, he conceded only 96 goals, underscoring his vital role in the Golden Knights’ defense. When it comes to one-on-one situations, his shootout save percentage of 0.833 reveals a goaltender who remains unfazed in the most intense moments. With the Sharks’ prolific scorers lining up, Thompson’s performance will be a determining factor in the game’s outcome.
On the other end of the rink stands James Reimer, the custodian of San Jose Sharks’ goal. Reimer’s previous season was a mix of highs and lows. He played in 43 games and faced a barrage of 1335 shots. His save percentage of 0.89 and an average of 3.48 goals conceded per game suggests there’s room for improvement. However, the sheer volume of saves, totaling 1188, indicates his crucial role in the Sharks’ defensive setup. As the Sharks attempt to rebuild their reputation this season, Reimer’s performance against the offensive juggernaut of the Golden Knights will be under the spotlight. It’s a litmus test he’d be keen to ace, signaling a turnaround for himself and the Sharks.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Vegas Golden Knights -225, Total Odds: 6.5
Considering the betting odds, Vegas Golden Knights emerge as the clear favorites. However, with the game’s unpredictable nature, it’s vital to analyze the odds meticulously. With a total of 6.5, the game is expected to be high-scoring, especially given San Jose’s recent trend of having overs in their games.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Trends
The trends heavily favor the Knights. Their impressive 6-1 SU in the last 7 games shows consistency. Their 13-3 SU in the last 16 games against San Jose indicates a historical dominance, and their 8-1 SU on the road against the Sharks signals their comfort at the SAP Center. With a focus on defense, Vegas tends to keep the scores low on the road, a trend that might persist.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks are up against the tide, with a concerning 0-6 SU in their recent games. Their home record also doesn’t paint a rosy picture, with 2-12 SU in their last 14 games. However, the Sharks’ scoring trends show a propensity for high-scoring affairs, something they’ll hope to leverage against Vegas.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks 10/12/23 Betting Picks
Given the statistical data and team forms, the Vegas Golden Knights are the evident favorites. However, one can never rule out a surprise. For those placing their bets, it’s essential to assess handicapper ratings and reviews.
Free Pick and Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights 5, San Jose Sharks 3.