San Jose Sharks (5-16-2) vs. New Jersey Devils (10-9-1)
San Jose Sharks vs. New Jersey Devils 12/1/23 – The struggling San Jose Sharks (5-16-2) take on the New Jersey Devils (10-9-1) on Friday night. The Sharks have lost five straight games, while the Devils had won four of their last five before a loss in their most recent game. Free hockey tips – take the Devils at home despite being underdogs.
The Sharks offense has been dismal, scoring the fewest goals in the league so far. Their leading scorers Tomas Hertl and Fabian Zetterlund have just 16 points and 9 points respectively. This does not bode well against a decent Devils defense. On the flip side, the Devils offense is led by centers Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt who have combined for 51 points. Their firepower should be too much for the Sharks defense that gives up the 8th most goals against per game.
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has struggled mightily for the Sharks with just 3 wins and a 3.6 GAA. He will have his hands full against a dynamic Devils offense. Meanwhile, Vitek Vanecek has been average at best for New Jersey with a 3.49 GAA. However, the Sharks offense has not posed much of a threat to any opposing goalies this year.
San Jose Sharks vs. New Jersey Devils 12/1/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Prudential Center |
| TV: | NHL |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek
Mackenzie Blackwood has not found his groove for the Sharks so far, registering ugly numbers across the board – 3.6 GAA, .902 save percentage. He has allowed at least 3 goals in nine of his last ten starts. The Devils dynamic offense led by Hughes and Bratt could very easily hang another crooked number against Blackwood tonight.
While Vanecek‘s numbers have also been below average this year, he benefits from the Devils strong offense that can bail him out on off nights. And the Sharks offense has only scored more than 2 goals once in their last five contests. Vanecek should not have to stand on his head to secure a win.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: New Jersey Devils -175, Total Odds: 6.5
Despite the Devils underwhelming 10-9-1 record, they are still heavily favored at home by the oddsmakers against the lowly Sharks. You can understand why after seeing San Jose’s abysmal 5-16-2 mark including ten straight losses away from home. However, laying nearly 2-to-1 odds for what has essentially been a .500 hockey club in New Jersey seems risky. Consider taking the Sharks plus the 2.5 goals handicap instead.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks trends paint an ugly picture – they have failed to cover in five straight contests while also seeing games finish over the projected total in two of their last five. With offense hard to come by and goaltending and defense being culprits as well, taking them on the puckline and game overs could be a profitable play.
New Jersey Devils Betting Trends
Despite the Devils nice run of four wins in five games prior to their most recent loss, they have still posted a losing 2-3 record against the spread over that same sample. So betting them simply for their straight up wins does not cash tickets. However, the over has hit in five of the Devils’ last five games, providing value in that betting market.
San Jose Sharks vs. New Jersey Devils 12/1/23 Betting Picks
The trends and analysis clearly show both these teams have their flaws, however the Sharks are severely outmatched in this game despite catching over 2 goals on the spread. The Devils dynamic offense led by Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt could have their way against the struggling Sharks defense and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. Lay the puckline on the Devils at home behind Hughes and Bratt’s scoring prowess.
Some profitable betting angles include taking the Devils on the puckline up to -2.5 goals, considering the under 6.5 goals, and targeting Devils team total overs and Sharks team total unders in this mismatch. Use these top-tier sports handicapping picks to cash in on NHL wagering markets Friday night.
Free Pick & Prediction: New Jersey Devils 5, San Jose Sharks 2