The San Jose Sharks (7-6-3) are set to face off against the Minnesota Wild (7-7-3) in an exciting NHL Western Conference matchup tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+.
Heading into this contest, the Wild are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under established at 6.5. Minnesota is listed as a -220 favorite to win outright, while the Sharks are at +180, indicating a potential opportunity for an upset.
The Sharks have experienced a remarkable turnaround in recent games, having won five of their last six, including a three-game winning streak. Under the guidance of coach Ryan Warsofsky, the team has shown resilience. Star player Macklin Celebrini is making a significant impact, tying for third in overall points and fourth in goals scored in the league. His chemistry with Will Smith has turned the Sharks into one of the more entertaining teams to watch, despite some struggles in special teams and five-on-five play.
In terms of goaltending, both Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic have emerged as key players for San Jose. Nedeljkovic boasts an impressive .947 save percentage, while Askarov is even better with an extraordinary .971 save percentage.
Similarly, the Wild are also on a hot streak, bouncing back strongly after a five-game losing streak in October, with four wins in their first five games of November. Kirill Kaprizov leads the charge for Minnesota, closely followed by talented forward Matt Boldy. Marcus Johansson is having a standout season, showcasing his skills consistently.
However, Minnesota’s performance has been a mixed bag lately, with a 50.54 expected goals for percentage at five-on-five but struggling defensively, allowing 2.91 expected goals against per 60 minutes. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson has shown inconsistency, posting an .896 save percentage.
As the Sharks prepare for a three-game road trip, they will look to build on their recent success away from home, having won three of their last four road games. Notably, they secured a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory in their last meeting with the Wild in Minnesota.
While the predictions might lean heavily towards Minnesota, the Sharks’ recent performances and dynamic goaltending suggest they could continue their winning ways. With odds favoring an upset, the Sharks may just surprise the Wild tonight.
Pick: Sharks Moneyline (+180)