The San Jose Sharks (0-2-2) travel to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks (1-2-1) on Thursday, October 17th. This game will be played at United Center in Chicago and televised on NBCS. Both the Sharks and Blackhawks will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 ET.
Sharks vs Blackhawks
The San Jose Sharks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
San Jose fell to 0-2-2 this season after a 3-2 road loss to the Stars. The Sharks held a 2-1 lead in the second period, but Dallas tied it up and eventually scored the game-winner. San Jose entered the game as underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6 goals, with the combined 5 goals falling short of that number.
Tyler Toffoli opened the scoring for the Sharks at 13:36 in the second period, but the Stars responded with a goal of their own at 7:57. Ty Dellandrea put San Jose back in front with a goal at 4:48, only for Dallas to tie it again at 2:48. The Sharks’ defense struggled, allowing 38 shots on goal.
The Chicago Blackhawks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
After a 3-1 loss to the Flames, the Blackhawks are now 1-2-1 this season. The game’s total was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for only 4. Chicago, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover.
Chicago’s only goal came in the first period, tying the game at 1-1. Calgary added goals in the second and third periods to secure the win.
San Jose Offense Breakdown
After a scoreless first period, Tyler Toffoli got things going for the Sharks with his second goal of the season, coming 6:24 into the second period. Ty Dellandrea followed up with his first goal of the year at the 15:12 mark in the second.
San Jose fired 27 shots on goal but struggled with giveaways, tallying 21 in the game. Nico Sturm picked up his first assist of the season on Dellandrea’s goal.
Blackhawks Offense Breakdown
Nick Foligno netted his third goal of the season for the Blackhawks, scoring 3:49 into the first period to tie the game at 1-1. Seth Jones picked up his fifth assist, while Alec Martinez added his second. Despite putting 32 shots on goal, Chicago couldn’t find the back of the net again, and they were held scoreless in the second and third periods.
The Blackhawks struggled with giveaways, committing 12 in the game. They were also unable to capitalize on any power play opportunities, finishing with zero power play goals.
San Jose Team Defense
Defensively, the Sharks will look to bounce back after allowing the final two goals in their last game, including one at the 2:48 mark of the 2nd period and another in the shootout. Mackenzie Blackwood made 36 saves with a 94.7% save percentage, and San Jose’s defense added 6 takeaways and 33 hits.
Chicago Team Defense
On the defensive end, the Blackhawks allowed the first goal at 3:59 in the first period and two more late in the game—one at 13:32 in the second and an empty-netter at 19:21 in the third. Petr Mrazek made 23 saves with a 92% save percentage. Chicago’s defense also recorded 9 takeaways and 13 hits.
Sharks vs Blackhawks Trends
- In their last three games away from home, the Sharks have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 1 goals per game in these contests.
- Across the Blackhawks last ten home games, the team averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 3. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 5-5, while going 5-5 straight-up.
- In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Blackhawks have a straight up record of 1-2 and an puck line mark of 2-1.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Sharks have gone 3-7 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 3-7.
Sharks vs Blackhawks Prediction
For a moneyline bet, we have the Blackhawks as the likely winner. However, with the current odds at -185, I’d suggest considering a puck line bet, as our predictions have the Blackhawks winning by more than one goal.
For a puck line prediction, our preference is the Blackhawks to secure a win and cover. Anticipate the Blackhawks to win this one by multiple goals over the Sharks.
For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:October 17, 2024 Blackhawks, Sharks