Chicago vs. San Jose: NHL Match Prediction

Current form

As expected, Chicago failed to start the regular season successfully, which became clear from the pre-season training, in which the club showed weak results. Indeed, the Hawks did not approach the new season in their best shape and suffered a crushing defeat to Utah in their first match with a score of 2:5. Goalkeeper Mrazek failed to cope with his task, reflecting only 84% of shots. Continuing to play on the road, the team met with Winnipeg and this time was able to give a worthy fightback, mainly thanks to the efforts of Soderblom, but in the end they again had to lose in overtime (1:2).

The Blackhawks were able to earn their first victory of the season away from Edmonton, taking advantage of their opponent weak form and winning confidently with a score of 5:2. The most productive was first-line forward Terevyainen, who scored twice and also gave two assists. Then Chicago met Calgary and again failed to realize its attacking potential, losing by just one goal (1:3).

Disqualifications and injuries

Chicago has virtually no problems with its roster, with only forward Artem Levshanov and goalkeeper Laurent Brossoit remaining in the infirmary.

Interesting trends for betting

• Chicago averages 2.25 goals per game

The Hawks' main problem remains their low attacking performance.

• The Blackhawks converted 33% of their power play attempts.

The team performs well in attack, mainly when playing with a man down, and consistently takes advantage of opponents' penalties.

Current form

San Jose has yet to win a single game this season. The team began the regular season at home, where they faced St. Louis and suffered a disappointing overtime loss (4:5). Once again, the team terrible defense made itself felt, with the opponent taking 40 shots on goal, which was the main reason for the loss. Continuing to play at home, the Sharks once again played Anaheim and this time they couldn't even score a goal, losing 0:2.

Then the Sharks went to visit Dallas, where they were unexpectedly able to give a worthy rebuff to the clear favorite, but in the end they still suffered another defeat, this time in a shootout (2:3). It is worth noting that San Jose was able to cling to one point only due to the excellent play of goalie Blackwood, who reflected 95% of the shots. As you can see, the club weak defense is not its only problem. Warsofsky charges cannot improve their attacking play, and on average they score only two goals per match.

Disqualifications and injuries

One of the reasons for the weak results at the start of the season is the problem of San Jose with the roster. Forwards Bordeleau, Celebrini, Couture and defender Vlasic are in the infirmary, and the productive young forward Eklund is also in question.

Interesting trends for betting

• The Sharks allow an average of 36 shots on goal per game.

Once again, we note that San Jose has serious problems in defense, which allows their opponents to consistently make a large number of shots on goal.

• The Sharks are averaging 47 percent of their faceoffs per game.

It is also worth paying attention to the team weak play at the face-off spot.