San Jose Sharks (9-20-3) vs. Vancouver Canucks (22-9-2)
Sharks vs. Canucks 12/23/23 – On Saturday’s NHL regular season game between San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks will showcase starkly differing fortunes as both sides prepare to collide. This showdown poses a considerable test to both clubs; while providing Vancouver with another opportunity to bolster their position. As this game approaches, NHL enthusiasts and bettors alike are searching for NHL tips and picks.
Tomas Hertl has led the Sharks’ offense with 26 points from 11 goals and 15 assists, but their offense has struggled to remain consistent this season. Mikael Granlund and William Eklund have made notable contributions, but goals are often hard to come by for them. When facing off against Vancouver’s formidable defense, they must elevate their game significantly if they hope to have any effectful impacts.
Vancouver Canucks have been outstanding offensively this season. J.T. Miller has been especially impressive, accumulating 45 points – 15 goals – while Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes have played key roles in contributing 82 total points between them. These dynamic offensive players will provide a formidable challenge to San Jose Sharks defense which has struggled thus far this season.
Sharks vs. Canucks 12/23/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Rogers Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Goaltender Thatcher Demko
Mackenzie Blackwood has endured a rough season between the pipes for the Sharks. He is 4-12-2 with an .897 save percentage and 3.75 goals against average. Blackwood has allowed three or more goals in 10 straight starts, so limiting Vancouver’s dynamic offense will be a tall task. Still, the Sharks managed a 4-2 win earlier this season with Kaapo Kahkonen in net, so an upset wouldn’t shock.
Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko has been outstanding for the Canucks this season. He is 16-7 with a .921 save percentage and 2.34 GAA, providing steady backstopping for Vancouver. Demko did allow four goals to the Sharks back in November, but has given up two or fewer tallies in five of his last six outings. Expect the American netminder to turn aside enough San Jose chances to notch another win.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds, yet to be announced, will provide insights into the expectations for this game. Given the contrasting forms of both teams, bettors will be closely analyzing these odds to inform their decisions.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks have struggled mightily of late, posting a 1-4 straight up record while also failing to cover in four of those five games. San Jose has been a poor bet away from home all season, covering just 6 spreads in 17 road contests. However, the Sharks offense has shown life by playing over the total in three of five entering Saturday. With Vancouver’s defense prone to occasionally yielding crooked numbers, another high-scoring affair could transpire.
Vancouver Canucks Betting Trends
The Canucks have been on an excellent run lately, winning four of five while covering the number in every game during that span. Vancouver has also rewarded bettors at Rogers Arena, going 11-6 ATS in its last 17 contests on home ice. However, the Canucks’ recent stretch has featured lower-scoring contests, going under four of five entering Saturday. Still, Vancouver lit up the Sharks for six goals earlier this year and possesses enough firepower to eclipse this total if its stars heat up.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks 12/23/23 Betting Picks
Considering the form and trends of both teams, the Canucks appear to be the clear favorites in this matchup. Their offensive strength and solid defense, coupled with the Sharks’ struggles, suggest that the Canucks are likely to dominate this game.
In terms of premium picks today, the Canucks would be the more logical choice. Prop bets focusing on the performance of the Canucks’ key players, such as Miller and Pettersson, could offer value. The over/under will depend on the goaltenders’ performances, but given the trends, a game leaning towards the higher end of the scoring spectrum could be expected.
Free Pick and Prediction: Vancouver Canucks 5, San Jose Sharks 2