Winnipeg Jets (15-8-2) vs. San Jose Sharks (8-17-2)
Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks 12/12/23 – The Winnipeg Jets take on the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, December 12th at the SAP Center at San Jose. The Jets have been hot lately, winning 4 of their last 5 games to take over 1st place in the Central Division. Meanwhile, the struggling Sharks have lost 4 of their last 5 as they sit in 7th in the Pacific. This matchup provides an opportunity to get free NHL predictions today.
The Jets have been led by left winger Kyle Connor, who paces the team with 17 goals and 11 assists. His scoring prowess gives Winnipeg an edge against the Sharks’ porous defense. Center Mark Scheifele adds playmaking with his team-leading 19 assists, while defenseman Josh Morrissey anchors the blue line. This offensive firepower tests a San Jose team that allows 3.83 goals per game.
For the Sharks, center Tomas Hertl leads the squad with 9 goals and 14 assists. However, the team lacks secondary scoring, an issue exacerbated by their league-worst -36 goal differential. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has struggled mightily with a 3.83 GAA. Still, left winger William Eklund provides a dynamic scoring threat with his speed. The Sharks will need big performances to keep pace with Winnipeg’s high-flying attack.
Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks 12/12/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
Connor Hellebuyck has been outstanding for the Jets, accumulating 12 wins along with a stingy 2.47 GAA. His .914 save percentage indicates his high level of play. Hellebuyck’s calm presence gives Winnipeg an edge against San Jose’s middling offense. Still, the Sharks do have weapons in Hertl and Eklund that could challenge Hellebuyck.
On the other side, Mackenzie Blackwood has mightily struggled in the Sharks’ net. His 3.83 GAA and .895 save percentage are among the league’s worst marks for goalies with significant playing time. Blackwood’s poor performance leaves major questions about San Jose’s ability to slow Winnipeg’s dynamic attack led by Connor and Scheifele. Barring a major turnaround, expect the Jets to pepper Blackwood with shots.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds and point spreads are yet to be determined, this game presents an intriguing scenario for bettors. The Jets, with their superior record and offensive edge, are likely to be the favorites. However, in the unpredictable world of NHL, the Sharks could offer a surprise, making this an exciting prospect for bettors.
Winnipeg Jets Betting Trends
The Jets have excelled against the spread recently, covering in 4 of their past 5 contests. Winnipeg has also been a superb road bet, going 8-3 ATS away from home. However, they have gone over just 2 times total in their last 5 outings. Backing the Jets ATS could be wise, while the under holds some value based on their latest trends.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
Conversely, San Jose has floundered from a betting perspective by covering just once in their previous 5 games. They also sport a woeful 4-10 ATS record on home ice this season. However, Sharks’ games have trended over, going over the total in 3 of their past 5 and 5 of their last 13 at home. These trends suggest betting the over at 6.5 goals holds the greatest value.
Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks 12/12/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data and trends, the Winnipeg Jets seem to have a clear upper hand in this matchup. Their robust offense, backed by strong goaltending, makes them a safe bet. However, the unpredictable nature of the NHL means the Sharks, with their potential for high-scoring games, cannot be entirely ruled out, especially with their home advantage.
In conclusion, our recommendation leans towards the Jets for their consistent performance and strong offensive capabilities. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially for Jets’ key scorers, could be lucrative. The over/under bet also deserves attention, given the Sharks’ trend towards higher-scoring home games. All things considered, this game is a highlight for the best sports handicappers, offering exciting opportunities for insightful predictions and bets.
Free Pick and Prediction: Winnipeg Jets 4, San Jose Sharks 2.