Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.
Time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NESN; NBC Sports Bay Area+; ESPN+
The Bruins (30-31-9) continue their west coast road trip as they head to San Jose to take on the Sharks (18-42-9) at the SAP Center. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams, with the Bruins leading the season series 1-0. Boston won 6-3 in TD Garden on January 20th. It seems that the B’s playoff chances have started to finally slip away, while the Sharks remain at the basement of the NHL. Boston is 3-6-1 in their last 10, and San Jose is 3-6-1 as well.
Boston enters Saturday night’s game on a four-game losing streak. Luckily for them, they get to play the last place team in the National Hockey League. However, no game is a guaranteed win in this league so the Bruins must come to play like their season depends on it, because in reality, it does. If the black and gold fail to collect two points in San Jose, their postseason hopes could vanish into thin air. Falling to more than six points out of a wildcard spot with only 11 games to play would be detrimental.
If both teams are at their best, the Bruins shouldn’t have many issues overcoming the Sharks young nucleus. San Jose may have the worst record in the league but they are no pushover. They work their tails off and keep a lot of their games competitive with their speed and skill. The B’s can counter this by playing a heavy style of hockey, both in their end and on the forecheck. Nikita Zadorov and Mark Kastelic should not be the only one’s laying body checks.
The Bruins inability to get pucks on net remains an issue. During their four game slide, Boston has averaged 10 shots per game. They must generate shot opportunities while facing the weak goaltending of San Jose. David Pastrnak, Morgan Geekie, Pavel Zacha, and Marat Khusnutdinov have been the only players generating offense. Players like Elias Lindholm and Casey Mittelstadt need to step up in order for the Bruins to get back on track with a win against the Sharks.
The Bruins tend to struggle against faster teams, and the Sharks are certainly a faster team. Led by Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, and Will Smith, San Jose has become a fun team to watch, despite their struggles. If the young core can beat their opponents to loose pucks and produce quality zone time, they will have a legit shot at earning their 19th win of the season.
San Jose only has nine players who have 10 or more points this season, which is easily the most in the NHL. They will have to rely on their top scorers in Celebrini and Eklund, as well as veteran Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli will need to play a big role as fellow veteran, Alex Wennberg is out with an injury. The Sharks young guns can use their speed against depleted Bruins blue line to generate chances off of the rush. Jeremy Swayman has struggled to remain consistent when facing rush chances, Celebrini and company have the skill to capitalize.
Along with their speed and skill, if the Sharks have any hope in winning this game, their goaltending must be better. Alexandar Georgiev hasn’t exactly benefited from the change of scenery earlier in the season. As a Shark, the 29-year-old is 5-16-1, with a 3.84 GAA and an .875 SV%. This could be a game that Georgiev can use to boost his confidence as the Bruins typically make goalies look better due to their lack of offensive production.
BOS: Hampus Lindholm (LTIR – Knee)
BOS: Charlie McAvoy (IR – Shoulder)
SJS: Alex Wennberg (Day-to-Day – Lower Body)
SJS: Henry Thrun (OUT – Upper Body)
Both teams are struggling mightily as of late, one of them has to come away with a win on Saturday somehow. The Bruins currently have more to play for, with a shot at the postseason, as well as some guys playing for contracts. However, the Sharks play with heart, night in and night out. It should be a competitive battle, but the Bruins have the better roster and goaltending which should be enough to get them by the Sharks young core.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-2
David Pastrnak hasn’t had a multiple goal effort since February 25th. This is a great game for Pasta to fill the stat sheet with a couple of goals. He is +600 to score two or more goals. Will Smith is a Boston native, and grew up a Bruins fan. He scored in his first game against his childhood team earlier in the year, expect him to find the back of the net in this one as he continues to live out his childhood dream. Smith is +260 to score. The Bruins are road favourites at -128.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara- Imagn Images
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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to
