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Andrew Rogers
Golden Knights vs. Sharks: Game 6 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
Vegas is one win away from yet another historic first – but the San Jose Sharks aren’t quite ready to roll over as they prepare to host the Golden Knights in Game 6 of their Western Conference second-round series Sunday night. Vegas moved one step closer to a berth in the conference finals with a 5-3 victory Friday night at T-Mobile Arena, but oddsmakers like the Sharks to extend this wild series to seven games.
Golden Knights vs. Sharks Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
While the Sharks are a comfortable favourite in Game 6, both teams are rocking major positive trends heading into this one. The Golden Knights have won 10 of their previous 12 games against teams with winning records, and are a sizzling 11-1 in their last 12 Sunday contests. The Sharks have reeled off 22 wins in their past 28 games against divisional foes, and are 9-2 in their last 11 home games vs. teams with winning road records.
The teams have combined for at least seven goals in four of the first five games of the series – but that hasn’t compelled oddsmakers to bump the total above 5.5. San Jose have played above the number in six of its previous eight games at SAP Center, and is 12-4-1 O/U in its last 17 on one day of rest. The Golden Knights, on the other hand, have played 10 unders with one push in their previous 15 games away from the Strip.
Vegas Golden Knights
Lost in the magic of the Golden Knights’ run is how much they’ve struggled defensively since opening the series with a 7-0 drubbing. Vegas has surrendered 14 goals over the past four games – 11 more than it gave up in its entire four-game first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings – and has allowed a power-play goal against in each of those contests. The Sharks’ team total of 3 or 4 goals is paying out at +131 entering this NHL matchup.
San Jose Sharks
Speaking of penalties, the Sharks might want to consider taking less of them in Game 6. San Jose has handed Vegas a whopping 27 power-play opportunities through the first five games – 10 of those coming in that disastrous Game 1 defeat. Look for the Sharks to keep on shooting, just as they’ve done throughout the best-of-seven; they come into Saturday having averaged a mind-boggling 37.2 shots per game.
