Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

In this article, we will formulate a Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks prediction for this NHL game on Friday, December 27th at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview

The Vegas Golden Knights are 23-8-3 this year after they defeated Anaheim by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Vegas was tied at one in the third period, but they scored the last two goals in the game for the win. The Golden Knights outshot Anaheim by a total of 33-32, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Vegas got goals from Hertl, Kolesar, and Pearson, while Hill stopped 31 out of 32 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Golden Knights won three games in a row against the Kraken, Canucks, and Wild. Vegas has scored 3.50 goals per game and they have allowed 2.79 goals against per game, while also going 25.9% on the power play and 79.2% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel has led Vegas with nine goals, 36 assists, and 98 shots on goal, while Adin Hill is 15-5-2 with a 2.61 goals against average and a .905 save percentage this year. 

San Jose Sharks Betting Preview

The San Jose Sharks are 11-20-6 this season after they lost to Vancouver by a score of 4-3 in their last game. San Jose led 1-0 in the first period, but they allowed the next four goals and fell just short in the comeback attempt in the loss. The Sharks outshot Vancouver by a total of 29-24, won 40.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. San Jose got goals from Eklund, Kunin, and Ceci, while Askarov stopped 20 out of 24 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Sharks lost four games in a row against the Oilers, Avalanche, Jets, and Utah. San Jose has scored 2.73 goals per game and they have allowed 3.49 goals against per game, while also going 18.1% on the power play and 79% on the penalty kill this season. Mikael Granlund has led San Jose with 11 goals, 22 assists, and 97 shots on goal, while Alexandar Georgiev is 1-2-0 with a 3.75 goals against average and an .869 save percentage with the Sharks this year. 

Why the Sharks will beat the Golden Knights

• The Golden Knights have lost six of their last seven games as road favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Sharks have won three of their last four games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Sharks have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
• The Golden Knights have failed to cover the puck line in nine of their last 10 games as road favorites following a home win.

Why the Golden Knights will beat the Sharks

• The Golden Knights have won each of their last eight night games.
• The Sharks have lost 10 of their last 11 home games against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in each of their last six night games at SAP Center at San Jose against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Sharks have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five night games at SAP Center at San Jose against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Sharks have lost the third period in six of their last seven games against Western Conference opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Eight of the Golden Knights’ last nine night games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Five of the Sharks’ last six home games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sharks’ last nine home games against Western Conference opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 15 of the Golden Knights’ last 16 games against Pacific Division opponents.

San Jose Sharks Player Prop Facts

• Luke Kunin has scored a goal in four of the Sharks’ last five games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
• Macklin Celebrini has recorded at least one assist in nine of the Sharks’ last 10 games against Western Conference opponents.
• Macklin Celebrini has recorded at least one point in nine of the Sharks’ last 10 games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
• Mikael Granlund ranks T2nd in the Western Conference for shootout goals (2) this season.

Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts

• Victor Olofsson has scored at least one goal in each of the Golden Knights’ last three road games.
• William Karlsson has recorded at least one point in seven of the Golden Knights’ last eight games as favorites against Western Conference opponents.
• Jack Eichel has recorded an assist in each of his last six appearances against the Sharks.
• Brayden McNabb ranks T1st in the Pacific Division for Plus/Minus (+19) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The San Jose Sharks rank 32nd in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (1.27).
• The San Jose Sharks rank 31st in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (0.59).
• The Vegas Golden Knights are one of seven teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
• The Vegas Golden Knights rank T8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.79).

Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks Prediction 

Vegas comes into this matchup looking for their fifth straight win and they have allowed two goals or fewer in each of their last four games. The Golden Knights are 9-5-3 on the road this year, while the Sharks are 6-9-1 at home. San Jose has lost five games in a row and eight of their last nine, and they have scored two goals or fewer in five of those eight losses. These two teams are trending in opposite directions, but I like the under in this game, especially with how well Vegas is playing on defense.