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. For this afternoon matinee, the San Jose Sharks take the ice for their season’s first matchup with the Boston Bruins. Finally, check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
Time: 1 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBCSCA, NESN, ESPN+
Make no mistake, in this recent stretch, the Sharks offence has been close to non-existent. Aside from a six-goal outburst against the Detroit Red Wings, the team hasn’t mustered over one goal in the last five games. The previous game against the New York Islanders showed more of the same. The club didn’t get over the 20-shot mark yet again and didn’t convert on the man advantage. Barclay Goodrow found the back of the net, and Jan Rutta provided the lone assist for the only Sharks goal. San Jose needs more from its top forwards. Mikael Granlund, in particular, has been cold. He has just three points in his last ten games. Tyler Toffoli didn’t play against the Islanders, but it could spell good things if he returns against Boston. William Eklund, Macklin Celebrini, and Fabian Zetterlund will also have to be integral parts of the Sharks offensive attack to find the win column.
Defensively, the team continued to struggle. The Islanders, who have trouble creating offence, managed four goals and 31 shots above their season averages. In the net, Alexandar Georgiev was between the pipes against the Islanders as Yaroslav Askarov was battling an illness. Assuming Askarov is healthy enough to suit up, he should be back between the pipes for the Sharks. The team needs a complete game to beat the Bruins, who are coming off a disappointing loss.
Saturday’s game was one the Bruins would like to have back. The team was up 5-3 with under five minutes to play and lost 6-5 in a shootout. To add insult to injury, they lost to the Ottawa Senators, who the Bruins are fighting within the Eastern Conference standings. Every outing from here on out is a playoff-type game, and the team will look to players like David Pastrnak to lead the charge. Despite the loss, he had three points against Ottawa and led the team with 51. Pastrnak and captain Brad Marchand have driven the offensive engine for the Bruins. Outside of these two stars, Boston’s struggles aren’t helped by injuries to defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy. Lindholm hasn’t seen the ice since November and was placed on long-term injury reserve, while McAvoy was placed on injured reserve on January 11.
On the bright side, the Bruins have gotten some good play from their depth forwards. In particular, Morgan Geekie and Justin Brazzeau have 20 and 22 points in over 40 games each. Boston needs these two to continue their production, while off-season free agent signing Elias Lindholm needs to become a more significant factor. After signing a seven-year deal in Boston, Lindholm has just 22 points while playing in the top six. Jeremy Swayman is the team’s number-one starter between the pipes, with Joonas Korpisalo backing him up. Swayman has posted a .897 SV% and should continue to play a lot as the team aims for the postseason. The team has a busy week, so head coach Joe Sacco may elect to play Korpisalo to ensure Swayman is rested for pivotal games.
As mentioned, every game is crucial for the Bruins moving forward, while San Jose can play spoiler to teams fighting for playoff spots. As for this game, the Bruins should come out with a level of desperation that the Sharks may have a hard time matching. The Bruins should come out victorious and get the two points.
Prediction: Boston wins 4-1
We also have some prop bets for you to consider. Celebrini is currently +250 for the Sharks to find the back of the net, which we like. Geekie is also +250, which we want for the Bruins.
Main photo by: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
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