San Jose Sharks (8-17-2) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (17-5-5)
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights 12/10/23 – The struggling San Jose Sharks face off against the playoff-hopeful Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night in a Pacific Division matchup. The Sharks sit at the bottom of the division while the Golden Knights are competing for one of the top three spots. Top hockey tips today point towards a Vegas victory, but the odds suggest this could be a closer game than the standings show.
The Sharks offense runs mainly through Tomas Hertl, Mikael Granlund and William Eklund, who have combined for 46 points this year. However, injuries and overall lack of depth have hindered scoring. The Golden Knights defense is anchored by Alex Pietrangelo and Brayden McNabb, holding opponents to just 2.73 goals against per game. They should be able to contain the Sharks attack.
Jack Eichel, William Karlsson and Mark Stone lead a much deeper Vegas offense that averages 3.44 goals per contest. Their speed and skill match up well against a porous Sharks defense surrendering a league-worst 4.16 goals against each night. Mackenzie Blackwood will have his hands full in net trying to slow down the Golden Knight scorers.
San Jose Sharks vs Vegas Golden Knights Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood vs Logan Thompson
Blackwood has struggled mightily this season, going just 3-14 with an .899 save percentage for the Sharks. His 60 goals allowed is the highest total in the NHL. Thompson provides stability in net with a 2.38 GAA. The Golden Knights only allow 27.8 shots per game, fifth-stingiest in the league, easing Thompson’s workload. Look for Vegas to pepper Blackwood with shots.
Thompson’s .917 save percentage is top-15 among goalies with 10+ starts but the Sharks could challenge the 25-year old. Only Detroit puts more pucks on net than San Jose’s 34.8 shots per contest. If Eklund, Hertl and Granlund can unleash some volume, they may be able to get a few past Thompson. Still, Thompson should prevail in this goaltender matchup.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are yet to be determined, but given the current form and standings, the Golden Knights are likely to be favored. The total odds will also offer insights into expected game dynamics, potentially favoring a lower-scoring game given the Sharks’ offensive struggles and the Golden Knights’ strong defense.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks are 0-5 straight up and against the spread in their last five overall. They also haven’t covered in five straight as road underdogs. The totals have gone over in two of their past five. In 13 home games, San Jose is 3-10 against the spread and has seen overs hit five times. The trends clearly favor Vegas in this matchup.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Trends
Despite some recent struggles, the Golden Knights have fared well against Pacific Division foes with a 9-2 record. They have covered the puck line in three of the last four head-to-head meetings with San Jose. After a hot 9-1 start at home, Vegas is just 2-3 straight up and 1-4 against the spread in their last five contests at T-Mobile Arena. The over cashed recently against Colorado and Calgary at home.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights 12/10/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data and trends, the Golden Knights seem to have a clear edge in this matchup. Their strong offensive and defensive capabilities, combined with the Sharks’ ongoing struggles, suggest a likely victory for the Golden Knights. However, the unpredictability of the NHL means that upsets are always a possibility, and the Sharks could surprise, particularly if their key players step up.
For those seeking the best sports handicappers’ insights, this game presents an intriguing scenario. While the safe bet appears to be on the Golden Knights, the Sharks’ desperation for a win could lead to an unexpectedly competitive game. Prop bets, over/under, and individual player performances could offer additional betting opportunities.
Free Pick and Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights 5, San Jose Sharks 2