Welcome back to this edition of NHL Predictions! Let’s look at the San Jose Sharks finally returning home to take on the Utah Hockey Club. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. As the cold weather arrives and the holidays rapidly approach, now is the best time for some hockey, so let’s look at the Sharks face-off against Utah. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Utah Hockey Club at San Jose Sharks
Time: 10 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: Utah16, NBCSCA, ESPN+
The First Meeting
These two teams faced off in October, with the Sharks winning on a come-from-behind effort. After falling behind 4-1 after two periods, San Jose looked dead in the water. Then, Fabian Zetterlund scored his second of the game before Mikael Granlund and Tyler Toffoli evened the score by each finding the back of the net. In overtime, Alexander Wennberg netted the game-winner to give San Jose their first win of the season and begin a pattern of comeback wins. The Sharks are looking to find similar success in this matchup, while Utah is aiming to get in the win column.
Sharks Looking for a Win in First December Home Game
After a six-game road trip where San Jose went 3-3, the Sharks will finally head back to the SAP Center. The final game of the road trip in St. Louis was a successful one, as the Sharks secured a 4-3 victory behind first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini and some new additions. Celebrini netted two second-period goals and an assist to lead the offensive attack. The young superstar is up to ten goals and 19 points in just 20 games. Toffoli also increased his team lead in goal scoring with his 12th of the campaign, while Jake Walman continues to be a revelation on the back end. He has 22 points in 27 games and continues to give coach Ryan Warsofsky quality minutes.
However, the story of the game was the play of new additions Nikolai Kovalenko and Alexandar Georgiev. Both players came from the Colorado Avalanche in the Mackenzie Blackwood deal. Kovalenko chipped in three assists and was another key reason the Sharks came away victorious. Georgiev started his first game in Teal and played well. He earned his first win while making 17 saves on 20 shots faced. The Sharks may elect to go back with Georgiev against Utah to get him more comfortable in San Jose.
Utah Focused on Continuing Hot Stretch
Over the last ten games, Utah is 6-2-2, putting themselves back in the playoff picture. The team is playing well, highlighted by contributions up and down the lineup. In the last five games, Dylan Guenther has seven points and is Utah’s leading point producer. He netted two goals in their last game against Colorado. Additionally, Kevin Stenlund is riding a hot stick, as he has a four-game goal streak. He’s been good in limited minutes and has seen his ice time increase in recent games. Aside from Guenther, Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley are leading the charge for Utah. They have 26 and 24 points, respectively. Offseason acquisition Mikhail Sergachev continues to anchor Utah’s defensive core and power play. The 26-year-old has four points in the last five games and is the team’s number one defenseman.
In net, Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram have about the same number of starts as one looks to secure the net. In their sample sizes, however, Vejmelka has better numbers. He’s posted a .917 SV% and a 2.36 GAA, and has particularly been good as of late. He had 23 saves on 24 shots against the Avalanche. Head coach Andre Tourigny may continue to ride the hot hand and give Vejmelka the net.
Prediction
This should be a fantastic game between these two teams. There is tons of talent on both sides and both are playing their best hockey after slow beginnings of the year. The Sharks should get a boost by being back on home ice, while Utah is one of the hottest teams in the NHL. However, the Sharks should knock off Utah in a close one for the second time this year.
Prediction: San Jose wins 3-2 (OT)
Per Fanduel, there are some nice value plays for an anytime goal scorer. For San Jose, Toffoli at +220 is a strong play, while we like Cooley at +290 is one to look at.
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Main Photo: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 14 San Jose Sharks vs. Utah Hockey Club appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.