Detroit Red Wings (17-15-4) vs. San Jose Sharks (9-24-3)
Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks 1/2/24 – As the NHL regular season progresses, a captivating matchup looms on the horizon with the Detroit Red Wings, holding a 17-15-4 record, set to face the struggling San Jose Sharks, who are currently at 9-24-3. This game is a significant clash in the NHL calendar. The Red Wings, showcasing a fairly balanced record, will look to capitalize against the Sharks, who have had a challenging season. Fans and bettors looking for today’s free hockey tips should focus on the potential dynamics of this game, considering the contrasting forms of the two teams.
Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Lucas Raymond have been leading Detroit’s offense with consistency and effectiveness this season. DeBrincat boasts an impressive 14.7% shooting percentage while Larkin has contributed significantly with both goals and assists to its offense. Their offensive prowess will be crucial as they face San Jose’s underwhelming defense, and exploit its vulnerabilities will likely decide the outcome of this matchup.
San Jose Sharks have also shown potential in their offense despite a less impressive record, led by Tomas Hertl and Mikael Granlund who both contributed significantly with Tomas Hertl’s 13.5% shooting percentage being particularly notable. Their impact has been limited due to team struggles. How well the Sharks match up against Detroit Red Wings defensive setup will be key factor of this matchup.
Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks 1/2/24 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | SAP Center at San Jose |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender James Reimer vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
The Detroit Red Wings have received steady and reliable goaltending from veteran James Reimer since his arrival this past offseason. While not posting flashy numbers, Reimer’s .889 save percentage and 3.42 goals against average have been good enough to keep the Red Wings competitive on most nights. He plays a poised butterfly style and uses his 6’2″ frame to maximum effect. Reimer has faced a high volume of shots this season, evident by his 343 shots against, yet continues battling to give his team a chance. His 38 goals allowed ranks middle of the pack for starting goalies. Considering the Red Wings allow the 8th most shots per game, Reimer has held his own. Looking deeper, the 34-year old has made over 30 saves in 6 different games.
In the opposing crease, San Jose’s Mackenzie Blackwood has struggled mightily leading to his team’s lackluster record. The promising 26-year old has amassed just 4 victories compared to 14 losses and 2 overtime defeats. His .889 save percentage sits well below league average as does his 3.92 goals against average. Blackwood has faced a high volume of shots, evident by his 732 shots against which is 6th most amongst goaltenders. This indicates porous defensive play in front of him. Yet Blackwood’s inconsistencies and inability to make key saves have sunk the Sharks this season. Perhaps some of his difficulties stem from playing behind an inexperienced defensive core. Still, Blackwood must improve his fundamentals and rebound control moving forward. If he fails to develop consistency, this could become a lost year for both him and his team.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are still to be determined. However, considering the Red Wings’ relatively better performance and the Sharks’ struggles, Detroit might be favored. Bettors should consider the potential for an upset, given the unpredictability of the NHL.
Detroit Red Wings Betting Trends
Detroit has rewarded bettors this season with a 18-10 ATS record away from home. The team is also 8-3 straight up in their previous 11 trips to San Jose. With the Red Wings scoring 3.44 goals per game over their last 10 contests, their offense seems poised to capitalize against the Sharks defense allowing 3.89 goals per game in their last 10 matches.
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
San Jose has posted a dreadful 6-13 ATS record on home ice this campaign. They have also gone under the total in just 6 of their 17 home contests. With leading scorer Tomas Hertl recording just 2 points throughout his 5 game goalless drought, the Sharks offense looks lifeless. Considering San Jose allows the 2nd most goals per game at home, tonight’s contest could get ugly.
Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks 1/2/24 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and recent trends, the Detroit Red Wings appear to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their balanced offense and solid goaltending give them an edge over the Sharks.
For bettors, considering prop bets or over/under options might provide additional value, given the offensive capabilities and defensive shortcomings of both teams. Among top premium picks, Detroit stands out as the more favorable choice given their overall season performance.
Free Pick and Prediction: Detroit Red Wings 3, San Jose Sharks 1