San Jose vs. Minnesota: NHL Match Prediction
San Jose Sharks
Minnesota WildOn November 8, the local Sharks will face off in another match in California. The team has overcome its initial setbacks and is starting to gain points. This time, the hosts will compete against the club from Minneapolis. Minnesota has been playing excellently this fall, though they've suffered a few unexpected losses. The Sharks last defeated the Wild over two years ago. Currently, Ryan Warsofsky's squad's chances of success seem significantly lower than Kirill Kaprizov's team. Who will dominate the rink this time? Read our preview for the matchup.
Match announcement
San Jose Sharks
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San Jose struggled with a nine-game losing streak, setting a new NHL record for a poor start in consecutive seasons. Following this, the home team players seemed to rally and began winning. Now, the California club is second to last in the West, with 18 points after 12 games. The Sharks' first victory came at the end of an away series. They defeated Utah (5-4, OT), coming back from a 1-4 deficit, and returned to SAP Center in high spirits. Tyler Toffoli's squad triumphed over Los Angeles (4-2) and Chicago (3-2), delighting their home fans. After a tough loss to Vancouver (2-3) with just 26 seconds left in regulation, Ryan Warsofsky's team overcame Columbus (2-1, OT).
Macklin Celebrini has recovered from a previous injury, making it easier for the hosts to score. Currently, the offensive leader remains Mikael Granlund, who has 14 points (6+8). Tyler Toffoli is gradually finding his form, with 11 points (6+5) in goals and assists.
The Sharks have improved defensively, allowing no more than two goals in three of their last four games. Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek continue to compete for the starting goalie position. So far, the goalkeepers have saved only 89% of shots, struggling to provide reliable last-line defense.
Suspensions and Injuries
Logan Couture and Marc-Edouard Vlasic will not participate in the upcoming match
Interesting Betting Trends
- San Jose averages 9.36 penalty minutes per game
The Sharks are not among the most disciplined teams, averaging at least five penalties per game
- The Sharks have an 18.6% power play conversion rate
San Jose effectively utilizes their power play, ranking 18th in the league in this category
Minnesota Wild
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Minnesota has been delivering strong performances since the start of the regular season. The team from Minneapolis is among the Western leaders, holding the third spot in the conference with 18 points from 12 games. John Hynes' squad went a long time without losing in regulation but recently stumbled in Pennsylvania. In early November, the Wild played at home and secured victories against Tampa (5-3) and Toronto (2-1, OT). However, they were defeated in their previous match against Los Angeles (1-5), despite scoring first.
The Wild don't score a lot, but they consistently net three to four goals. The top scorer for the visitors remains Kirill Kaprizov, who has accumulated 21 points in goals and assists. Currently, the Russian ranks fifth among the league's top scorers. Matthew Boldy has contributed to 13 of the team's goals but is still far from the top ranks.
Jared Spurgeon's team concedes 2.75 goals per game, making them one of the most reliable in the conference. Filip Gustavsson remains the team's first-choice goalie, allowing only 2.33 goals on average per 60 minutes. The Swede hasn't recorded a shutout in nine games.
Suspensions and Injuries
The Wild will arrive in California with a full roster.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Minnesota averages 20 hits per game
The visitors don't play the most physical hockey but often engage opponents with hits.
- The Wild have a 9:14 goal differential in the second period
The Wild concede a lot in the second period and often lose during this segment of the game.
Trends
Bet 2nd Period: San Jose to Score
The Sharks have scored in the second period in their last six games
1.68Bet 3rd Period: Total Over 1.5 Goals
In three of the last four matchups between these teams, the third period was high-scoring
1.50Tip and bets
Bookmakers continue to underestimate San Jose, even though the Sharks have four wins in their last five games and a frustrating loss to Vancouver just 26 seconds before the end of regulation. Malkin Celebrini has returned to the Sharks' lineup, expected to boost their offense. Minnesota is very strong, but the Wild have already lost to some weaker teams. The Wild have conceded quite a bit in recent away games, and the match in California is unlikely to be an easy outing for them. We suggest betting on the home team's victory in the match.
Prediction - San Jose to win the match at 3.05
Bet on Total Goals
Games involving Minnesota are rarely dull. The Sharks have improved defensively, but it's unlikely they'll contain the visitors' offense led by Kirill Kaprizov. Head-to-head matchups often feature exciting hockey. In four of the last five meetings, at least five goals were scored. Let's bet on the over in this match as well.
Take over 5.5 goals at 1.75
Bet on Team Total
The return of Macklin Celebrini should boost the hosts' offensive efforts. Minnesota hasn't always been strong defensively in recent away games, conceding quite a bit. Since 2015, the Sharks have scored at least two goals at home against the Wild. We believe Ryan Warsofsky's team will meet at least this minimum in the upcoming game.
Take San Jose's team total over two goals at 1.65
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