Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re taking a look at the contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
TV: FDSNSO, NBCSCA, ESPN+
The Carolina Hurricanes are headed for Teal Town to take on the San Jose Sharks in a cross-conference matchup. Sure to be an exciting game, it will also hold a bit more significance. At 40 years old and in the final year of his contract, longtime Sharks defenceman Brent Burns (a pivotal player in their storied history and member of their first quarter-century team) will make the final trip of the season to the Shark Tank with the Carolina Hurricanes. The connection between these teams doesn’t stop with the legendary blueliner, either, as the Sharks’ head coach, Ryan Warsofsky, previously led the Canes’ AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves (as well as the Charlotte Checkers) from behind the bench, as well.
Starting off this set of NHL predictions, we’ll discuss the visitors. Hurricanes are a rarity in California, and that is no different in hockey. Currently, the Canes are embarking on their final west coast road trip of the regular season, starting the journey in San Jose.
It has been a wild season for Carolina, with winning streaks, offensive production droughts, and the often discussed (sometimes a little too discussed) trades, they’ve been one of the most interesting and most dizzying teams this season. The newest additions, Mark Jankowski and Logan Stankoven, have not failed to disappoint since their arrival in the City of Oaks, fitting in superbly with Carolina’s system. With both getting goals in their first game with the team, and Jankowski breaking an NHL record. Jankowski became the first player on record to score on his first four shots on goal with a new team.
Now with the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the post-season picture is the destination the Canes are locking in on. On a seven-game winning streak and with just 15 more games to go for their regular season, every point counts.
Caniacs, without further ado, Mark Jankowski!
His first game with the Carolina Hurricanes, he launched an absolutely wicked shot past one of the best goaltenders in the entire league, the latest Vezina Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck.
Carolina leads the Winnipeg Jets 1-0 at… pic.twitter.com/a0lvz8HuyI
— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) March 9, 2025
It was long expected, but Sunday the San Jose Sharks were officially eliminated from the playoff race as the St. Louis Blues defeated the Anaheim Ducks. The last time the Sharks made the playoffs, they ironically lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Blues, who later went on to win the Stanley Cup. Nonetheless, the future is teal and bright for the aquatic Pacific team. Having traded out many players for an assortment of draft picks, alongside their already present young core and prospect pool (such as 2024 first rounder Sam Dickinson, who just recently broke the London Knights’ franchise record for most points in a season by a defenceman), it is expected that the upcoming seasons will see a return to playoff contention.
Despite the challenges and failure to make the playoffs, the Sharks aren’t turning off the motors yet. Every game gives valuable experience for the rookies and younger players, and even if it isn’t the playoffs, it is still against teams who are fighting like dirty dogs in the street to clinch their spots in the postseason. Learning from each game and finding enjoyment in the grind has been the Sharks’ theme lately, but it doesn’t mean they will be a blow over team for the rest of their season.
The contest between the Canes and the Sharks will be a late one for the Eastern team, beginning at 10:30 p.m. EDT. While they have had a four-day break between games, getting some much-needed rest, the late time could still factor into their play. The goaltender likely to take the starter’s crease is Frederik Andersen, as Pyotr Kochetkov played the last game, in which he recorded his tenth career shutout. This is assuming they continue the alternating tandem despite the rather lengthy break. Aside from the goaltending, the lines will be important to monitor for the Canes, as Dmitry Orlov may return from his injury to play in this game. Andrei Svechnikov remains unlikely to play due to his own injury.
As for the Sharks, the assumed goaltender would be Alexandar Georgiev, though it does remain a significant question as he was relieved by Georgi Romanov after allowing three goals in the first period in their previous game against the Washington Capitals. Georgiev has started 22 of 23 games played this season, while Romanov played for the first time this season in their last game. The likelihood of Romanov getting the start is low, but still good to check on before placing bets.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-3
Our selection of Hurricanes players to keep an eye on for this game for general points are Seth Jarvis and Brent Burns. The former currently sits on a five-game point streak, whereas the latter has had streaky points production, though will likely be extra motivated for that goal or assist against the team he’d played for the majority of his career. As for goal scorers, Mark Jankowski has been nailing them, as previously mentioned. Alternatively or additionally, Jalen Chatfield on the blueline and Taylor Hall up-front will be good players to keep an eye on.
For the Sharks, it is a bit tricky to pin down on likelihood and for a good return, but Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund could be decent wagers for general points. Both have enjoyed quality offensive production throughout the season. For goalscorers, we’re going with the rookie monsters in Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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Welcome to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups
