Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play a part. On this jam-packed NHL slate, the San Jose Sharks take the ice against the Florida Panthers for the second time this season. Finally, check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
Time: 10 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBCSCA, SCRIPPS, ESPN+
The first time these teams met, the final score didn’t show the dominance of Florida’s 3-1 victory. The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead with two goals from Matthew Tkachuk and one from Aleksander Barkov. Tyler Toffoli got one back in the third period, but it couldn’t spark any magic. Florida finished the night with 54 shots, and a stellar performance from Mackenzie Blackwood kept the score respectable. Tkachuk and Barkov did most of the damage, with seven and six shots on net, respectively, in addition to their goals. The Sharks want to avenge their loss and snap their current five-game losing streak, while the Panthers aim to get back in the win column.
For the second game in a row, the Sharks generated offense against the Predators. Still, they allowed Nashville to do whatever they wanted on offense. On the positive side, San Jose showed a fight and came back from down 3-0 and 5-2, crawling back each time. Mikael Granlund led the charge with three assists. He continues to lead the team with 43 points, along with six in his last five games. Macklin Celebrini, Fabian Zetterlund, and new acquisition Walker Duehr each found the back of the net. At the same time, William Eklund and William Smith assisted. Nikolai Kovalenko chipped in two assists.
From the back end, Henry Thrun and Mario Ferraro each scored and played fine defensively. Unfortunately, Yaroslav Askarov didn’t provide the stability the team needed. He surrendered six goals on 38 shots and failed to give the Sharks a real chance to build a lead. Anticipate coach Ryan Warsofsky to go back to Alexandar Georgiev against the Panthers. The team will need Georgiev to perform well against a high-powered Panthers team.
The Panthers close out their California road trip in San Jose and are looking to leave 2-1. They lost to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday and must return to the win column. As mentioned, Tkachuk is one of the driving forces of Florida’s offence. However, Sam Reinhart has been the biggest threat to the team. With a freshly-inked eight-year deal, Reinhart has 52 points in 49 games and is among the league leaders with 28 goals. Carter Verhaeghe and Anton Lundell have also been significant contributors, with 34 and 31 points, respectively.
Defensively, Aaron Ekblad hasn’t suited up in the last seven games but hopes to return in San Jose. He and Gustav Forsling are the anchors of the team’s defensive core. In net, Sergei Bobrovsky should see the net. He’s posted an SV% just under .900. Florida is trying to stay within arms reach of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the top of the Atlantic.
Simply put, Florida has the advantage in every category. Their style of play will likely make it hard for San Jose to generate much offense. We like the Panthers to come out with a win.
Prediction: Florida wins 4-2
We also like the over 5.5 goals to hit in the game, which sits at -142 current odds.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro- Imagn Images
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