The San Jose Sharks (16-43-7) travel to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks (18-44-5) on Sunday, March 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 6:00 ET.

Sharks vs Blackhawks

The San Jose Sharks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

San Jose is having a tough season, sitting in last place in the Pacific Division with a record of 16-43-7. They have lost three straight games and are just 1-9 in their last ten games. On the road, the Sharks are 6-24-4 and have dropped four straight games.

Against Western Conference opponents, San Jose is 8-27 and is 16th in the conference standings. As the underdog, the Sharks’ record is 16-43-7, and they have lost three straight games when not favored.

San Jose enters the game with a puck line record of 31-35 and a puck line record on the road of 16-18. So far this season, the Sharks have 11 wins by more than one goal and 35 losses by multiple goals.

Over their last ten road games, the Sharks have a puck line record of 8-2, and their average scoring margin on the road is at -1.9 goals per game. In their last 10 games, San Jose’s puck line record is at 5-5.

After suffering a 4-2 loss on the road to the Blue Jackets, the Sharks are looking to bounce back today. On offense, the Sharks were held scoreless in the first period, but found the net one time in the second period and ended with one goal in the third. All two goals came at even strength. They finished with 41 shots on goal and had 1 turnovers.

As the underdog, San Jose suffered both a straight-up and loss vs. the puck line. The game finished below the over/under line of 6.5 with a combined total of 6 goals.

The Chicago Blackhawks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

At home this season, the Blackhawks have gone 13-18-4, and they are 15th in the Western Conference standings. In the Central Division, Chicago is 8th with a record of 5-17. Overall, the Blackhawks are 18-44-5, and they have 41 points.

Over their last ten games, Chicago has gone 3-7, and they have won two straight games as the favorite. Against other Western Conference teams, the Blackhawks are 11-28 this season.

Chicago enters the game with an average scoring margin of -1.4 goals per game. So far, the Blackhawks have been the underdog in all but three of their games this season. Overall, the team’s puck line record is at 30-37, including going 5-5 in their last ten games.

So far, the Blackhawks have won eight games by multiple goals compared to ten one-goal victories. In their 64 games as the underdog, the team’s average scoring margin is at -1.5 goals per game.

Coming off a 5-0 loss at home to the Kings, the Blackhawks are hoping to bounce back today. The Kings defense proved to be too much for Chicago’s offense, resulting in being shutout. The Blackhawks’ offense finished with 5 giveaways and attempted 28 shots on goal during the game.

Chicago entered as the underdog and suffered both a straight-up loss and did not cover the puck line. The over/under line for the game was 5.5, and it concluded with a combined total of 5 goals.

San Jose Offense Breakdown

In terms of their offensive performance, the Sharks are averaging 2.2 goals per game this season, putting them in the 31st spot in the NHL. When it comes to shots on goal per game, they are ranked 32nd in the league. San Jose’s offense comes into the game ranked 29th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 31st in the NHL.

The Sharks come in with an over/under record of 29-34-3. Over the course of the season, they have had 32 games failing to surpass the 6 goal over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is at 6.2 per game.

Blackhawks Offense Breakdown

When looking at their offense, the Blackhawks have an average of 2.1 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 32nd in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 30th in the league. In terms of the Blackhawks’ offense during power plays, they are 26th in power play goals and 26th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the Blackhawks’ have an over/under record of 26-39-2. Throughout the season, they have played 33 games that did not exceed the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.7 goals per game.

San Jose Team Defense

Defensively, the Sharks are currently 2nd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 33.9 shots per game against San Jose. They also are 30th in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Chicago Team Defense

The Blackhawks defense is currently 7th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 32.5 shots per game against Chicago. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 27th with 1 shutouts.

Sharks vs Blackhawks Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Sharks have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 8-2 vs. the spread. The team averaged 2 goals per game in this stretch.
• Across the Blackhawks last ten home games, the team averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 3. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 5-5, while going 3-7 straight-up.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Chicago has an puck line mark of 4-6 while going 2-8 straight up.
• Going back to their last three games as the favorite, the Sharks have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 1-2.

Sharks vs Blackhawks Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Blackhawks to take down the Sharks at home. With the moneyline currently at -164, I’m placing my bet on the Blackhawks straight-up.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Sharks to cover. Even if the Blackhawks secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Sharks should cover the puck line.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering 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.