Philadelphia Flyers vs San Jose Sharks Prediction NHL Picks 12/31/24

In this article, we will formulate a Philadelphia Flyers vs San Jose Sharks prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 31st at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Philadelphia Flyers Betting Preview

The Philadelphia Flyers are 16-17-4 this year after they lost to the Kings by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Philadelphia led 4-2 in the second period, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the loss. The Flyers outshot LA by a total of 21-20, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Philadelphia got goals from Farabee, Foerster, Laughton, and Michkov, while Kolosov stopped 15 out of 20 shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Flyers defeated the Ducks by a score of 3-1 but lost to the Penguins by a score of 7-3 before that. Philadelphia has lost five of their last seven games and they are near the bottom of the Metro standings with 36 points. Philadelphia has scored 3.03 goals per game and they have allowed 3.62 goals against per game, while also going 14.7% on the power play and 77.9% on the penalty kill this season. Travis Konecny has led Philadelphia with 16 goals, 25 assists, and 89 shots on goal, while Matvei Michkov has added 12 goals, 17 assists, and 71 shots on goal this year. Samuel Ersson is 8-6-2 with a 3.14 goals against average and an .880 save percentage this year. 

San Jose Sharks Betting Preview

The San Jose Sharks are 11-22-6 this season after they lost to Calgary by a score of 3-1 in their last game. San Jose tied the game at one in the second period, but they allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Sharks were outshot by a total of 33-22, won 52.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. San Jose got their lone goal from Celebrini, while Askarov stopped 30 out of 32 shots in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Sharks lost to Vegas by a score of 6-3 and Vancouver by a score of 4-3. San Jose has lost seven games in a row and 10 of their last 11, and they are last in the Pacific standings with 28 points. San Jose has scored 2.69 goals per game and they have allowed 3.54 goals against per game, while also going 18.2% on the power play and 79.1% on the penalty kill this season. Mikael Granlund has led San Jose with 11 goals, 23 assists, and 102 shots on goal, while Macklin Celebrini has added 12 goals, 15 assists, and 90 shots on goal this year. Alexandar Georgiev is 1-3-0 with a 4.10 goals against average and an .866 save percentage for the Sharks this season. 

Why the Sharks will beat the Flyers

• The Flyers have lost three of their last four games as road favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
• The underdogs have won three of the last four games between the Flyers and Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose.
• The Sharks have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Flyers have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games as favorites following a road loss.
• The Flyers have lost the second period in four of their last five games as favorites following a road loss.

Why the Flyers will beat the Sharks

• The Sharks have lost each of their last six night games at SAP Center at San Jose.
• The favorites have won each of the Sharks’ last seven games.
• The road team has covered the puck line in four of the Flyers’ last five games.
• The Sharks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three night games at SAP Center at San Jose.
• The favorites have won the third period in each of the Flyers’ last five games.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Flyers’ last five night games has gone OVER the total goals line.
• Five of the Sharks’ last six home games against the Flyers following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Flyers’ last nine games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sharks’ last eight games as home underdogs.

San Jose Sharks Player Prop Facts

• Macklin Celebrini has recorded at least one point in eight of the Sharks’ last nine games.
• Mikael Granlund has recorded at least one assist in eight of his last 10 appearances against the Flyers.

Philadelphia Flyers Player Prop Facts

• Noah Cates has scored a goal in four of the Flyers’ last five night games.
• Joel Farabee has recorded at least one point in seven of the Flyers’ last eight road games against Pacific Division opponents.
• Scott Laughton has recorded an assist in each of the Flyers’ last four games against Pacific Division opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The San Jose Sharks rank 32nd in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (1.26).
• The San Jose Sharks rank 31st in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (0.59).
• The Philadelphia Flyers rank 32nd in the league in save percentage this season (.867).
• The Philadelphia Flyers rank 31st in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.41).

Philadelphia Flyers vs San Jose Sharks Prediction 

San Jose comes into this game trying to snap their seven-game losing streak, but they have lost three of their last five by at least two goals. Philadelphia has alternated wins and losses over their last five games, but they have lost eight of their last 12. The Flyers are 8-8-3 on the road, while the Sharks are 6-11-1 at home. 

San Jose has had some ups and downs so far this season, but they are really struggling on defense right now. The Sharks are allowing 3.54 goals against per game this year and they have allowed at least four goals in five of their last seven. I know the Flyers also have some poor defensive numbers, so I like this game to go over the total. 

David Racey's Pick: Over 6.5