Edmonton Oilers (15-15-1) vs. San Jose Sharks (9-22-3)
Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks 12/28/23 – As Edmonton Oilers prepare to battle San Jose Sharks on December 28th 2023 at SAP Center San Jose, anticipation levels in the NHL community are mounting. Both sides come into this matchup in good form (Oilers standing at 15-15-1 against 9-22-3 Sharks); one should offer fans and bettors with exclusive free NHL predictions from both sides in terms of strategy and skill – thus turning this game into an unparalleled spectacle! It marks an essential game both teams – the Oilers in climbing higher while Sharks hope it can salvage their season – before meeting head on on December 28th 2023!
The Oilers offense led by Connor McDavid has been formidable. McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard have all played key roles in driving scoring drives for Edmonton. While their ability to circumnavigate defenses has been remarkable, but this matchup will provide them with their biggest test yet against San Jose Sharks defense who have displayed signs of resilience on defense despite an otherwise poor record; their ability to limit Oilers top scorers particularly during power play situations could prove crucial in this matchup.
Tomas Hertl, Mikael Granlund and William Eklund will spearhead a potency Sharks offense when facing off with the Oilers defense in Edmonton. Hertl has proven his abilities at finding goals while Granlund is known for his playmaking prowess; Eklund provides versatility on the left wing to compliment this formidable trio’s offensive output. However, their structured play will challenge this forward line significantly before ultimately determining its outcome in game play.
Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks 12/28/23 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 28 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Stuart Skinner vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
Stuart Skinner will present an intriguing goaltending rivalry when the Edmonton Oilers host San Jose Sharks this Thursday, boasting an outstanding 0.886 save percentage over 23 games for Edmonton and his resilience and consistency has often made the difference in tight games. Particularly notable was Skinner’s exceptional shooting out performance which led to them defeating San Jose 4-3 during an overtime shootout victory last April. Blackwood will play an instrumental role against Hertl and Granlund’s offensive drives against Skinner’s Oilers side this Thursday against Blackwood’s Oilers side.
Mackenzie Blackwood‘s season with the Sharks stands as an exemplar of an individual goaltender rising up against hardship head on. Despite team struggles, Blackwood still managed an 0.889 save percentage over 23 games despite facing high volumes of shots; particularly effective during high pressure situations. Blackwood will face his biggest test yet against McDavid and Draisaitl-led Oiler offense; his performance under siege could turn this matchup around and inspire confidence among his own teammates.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total: TBD
Betting odds for this match remain in flux; however, experts and recommendations tend to favor the Oilers due to their balanced record and offensive firepower. Yet with Sharks unpredictable nature potentially providing greater betting opportunities.
Edmonton Oilers Betting Trends
The Oilers have shown mixed results over their last five games, going 2-3 against the spread and going OVER total scores on three occasions in road contests – which should raise caution among bettors. The team’s focus on scoring more often suggests it favors bettors with high-scoring games being high-scoring affairs that should also be taken into consideration by bettors.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
The Sharks come into this matchup with an uninspiring 1-5 record over their past 5 games and present an uncertain bet. Their performance against the spread, especially on road games, hasn’t been particularly favorable; yet games tending to go over in totals suggests their games tend to feature high scoring affairs similar to what happened with Edmonton Oilers games.
Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks 12/28/23 Betting Picks
At first glance, it seems the Oilers hold the upper hand in this matchup given their stronger offensive lineup and more secure goaltending. However, do not underestimate the Sharks’ chances for an upset at home; prop bets on individual player performances of Oilers scorers like McDavid or Draisaitl could provide profitable opportunities.
As for the final pick, the odds appear to favor Edmonton given both teams’ recent forms and trends. An over/under bet should also be carefully considered due to both sides’ preferences for high scoring games; not only is this game sure to provide thrilling hockey action, but it is ripe with opportunities for professional sports analysis as well as betting insight!
Free Pick and Prediction: Edmonton Oilers 4, San Jose Sharks 2