Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks Prediction, NHL Odds
The Winnipeg Jets look to win five in a row in regular season action for the first time in almost three years when they visit the slumping San Jose Sharks on Saturday night. The Jets climbed to within one point of the Central Division lead with a 3-2 comeback victory in Los Angeles on Thursday, and have now seen four of their five road dates this season get settled by just a single goal. The Sharks opened their current five-game homestand with a 4-0 loss to Montreal on Thursday, extending their current losing streak to three games.
The Jets’ recent winning ways have failed to give them a lift on the NHL odds, where Saturday’s matchup at SAP Center at San Jose is a virtual pick ‘em. And while neither of these teams has consistently filled the net in the early going, the total is set at 6.0.
Jets vs. Sharks NHL Betting Odds
Injuries have had an impact on the Jets’ position on Saturday’s game line odds, which have remained virtually unchanged since opening with Winnipeg pegged at -109. However, the Jets continue to enjoy steady support from sports bettors, attracting 81 percent of wagers. The total has also held steady since opening at 6.0 despite seeing 56 percent of bettors taking the over.
Saturday night’s matchup marks the Jets’ second road date with the Sharks this season. Winnipeg blew an early 2-0 lead on their way to a 4-3 loss in the Sharks’ season opener on October 16, ending a four-game winning streak in San Jose. Indeed, road warriors have regularly prevailed when these two teams meet. Prior to this month’s clash, the road team emerged victorious in seven straight meetings between these clubs. In addition, six of eight matchups have been settled by just a single goal.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have risen to the occasion despite the absence of Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, who have both missed time after being added to the team’s COVID-19 list. Scheifele has been ruled out of Saturday’s contest, but Wheeler is looking increasingly likely to play after returning to practice on Thursday. The 35-year-old has scored three times and adding seven assists over his past seven appearances against the Sharks.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to return to the Winnipeg crease on Saturday. The former Vezina Trophy winner has struggled at times, allowing four or more goals in four of his six starts.
San Jose Sharks
Winners of four straight to start the season, the Sharks have struggled since, scoring just four total goals while suffering three straight defeats. San Jose was outscored by a wide 7-1 margin in this week’s losses to Nashville and Montreal despite outshooting opponents in both those contests, including a 45-shot performance in Thursday’s loss to the Canadiens. And there have been no exceptions to the club’s recent scoring funk.
New addition Nick Bonino has yet to record a point in seven outings, while the top unit of Logan Couture, Jonathan Dahlen, and Timo Meier has contributed just two total goals during the club’s three-game slide.
WIN
SJ