1Welcome 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 in. Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take the ice for their first matchup of the season with the New York Islanders. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBCSCA, MSGSN, ESPN+
The Sharks dropped the second game of their Eastern Conference swing on Thursday night with a 4-1 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team was outplayed and is hoping to move forward from the disappointing matchup. The Blue Jackets generated 34 shots, while San Jose mustered just 19. Offensively, Tyler Toffoli netted the only goal, with Macklin Celebrini registering the lone assist. The club was 0-3 on the power play and struggled in the first two periods to keep it competitive. There was a little push in the third, when Toffoli scored, but it wasn’t enough.
In the net, Alexandar Georgiev started and faced 33 shots. In all, he continued his recent string of good outings. Georgiev made 30 saves and gave the Sharks a slim chance in the third period to orchestrate another comeback. Yaroslav Askarov should see the net against the Islanders. The team will look to players like William Eklund, Mikael Granlund and Fabian Zetterlund to generate some offence and come away victorious against an Islanders team desperate for some wins.
After their game against the Sharks, the Islanders have games against teams they’re fighting against in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. The team is looking for a win against San Jose to build some momentum. They’ll lean on captain Anders Lee and their other big forwards to do so. In the last five games, Lee has four goals and six points. He has 20 tallies on the year and leads the team with 36 points. Additionally, veterans Bo Horvat, Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson need to provide a spark for the team to see some success offensively. Maxim Tsyplakov will miss this game, as he serves a three-game suspension.
Between the pipes, Ilya Sorokin will look to bounce back from a loss on Thursday against Philadelphia. He made just 19 saves and needs a strong performance to help New York right the ship. On the season, his save percentage is right at .900. With the Islanders’ offensive struggles, Sorokin’s play has helped keep the team’s record respectable. Expect Sorokin between the pipes again in this one.
With the tight race shaping up in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders desperately need two points against San Jose. Similarly, the Sharks need to find a way to pick up more wins, especially after the disappointing result in Columbus. Expect this game to be close, but the Islanders offensive woes to hold them back.
Prediction: San Jose wins 3-2 (OT)
Main Photo: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
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