San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction, NHL Odds

Nik Kowalski | Updated Oct 18, 2024

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The Winnipeg Jets return to action on Friday night when they host the winless San Jose Sharks.

San Jose
10-13-1-4
AT
October 18, 2024, 8:00 PM ET
Bell MTS Place
Winnipeg
18-8-0
Puckline +1.5 +120
Moneyline +310
Over / Under o +6
Matchup Odds
Puckline -1.5 -145
Moneyline -400
Over / Under u +6
Matchup Odds

The Jets have begun their 2024–25 campaign with a trio of victories, coming off back-to-back 2-1 wins last weekend and then having the entire week off at home. San Jose’s wrapping up a three-game road trip that’s seen the club fall in a shootout at Dallas, and in Chicago last night.

Since the Sharks started Vitek Vanecek last night at Chicago, they’re presumably saving starting goalie Mackenzie Blackwood for Friday’s tilt with the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck’s played every single minute for the Jets so far, making Friday a good spot for veteran backup Eric Comrie to make his season debut in net. San Jose’s scored a combined four goals in their last three outings so saving Hellebuyck and giving him a night off is likely the play for Winnipeg.

Puck drop at Canada Life Centre gets going at 8 p.m. EDT with the Jets a -350 moneyline favourite, and -120 to cover the -1.5 puckline on the NHL odds. The total’s at 5.5.

Sharks vs. Jets NHL Betting Odds

With 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini injured, San Jose’s offensive production has predictably taken a dip. The Sharks scored four goals in their season-opener, their only outing with Celebrini in the lineup, and have since combined for four goals in three games. San Jose is playing run-and-gun hockey regardless, allowing a league-high 33 shots per game this season.

Head-to-head, all three Sharks–Jets meeting last season featured a combined three goals or fewer. Each team won a game 2-1, and the Jets won the season-deciding contest by a score of 1-0. Seven of these teams last eight meetings have finished under the total. Winnipeg is 3-0 to the under this season.

San Jose Sharks

Veteran free agency addition Tyler Toffoli is off to a hot start with San Jose. The 32-year-old has a team-high three goals, scoring in back-to-back outings. Toffoli’s been on the wing with William Eklund and Mikael Granlund, both of whom registered two assists last night at Chicago. Only five Sharks players have scored this season; depth is supposed to be an issue for last season’s worst NHL squad, but this go-around’s supposed to see more youngsters step up.

For reference, 2023 fourth-overall pick Will Smith remains without a point through his first four NHL games. Eklund and Granlund have yet to find the back of the net too, although their pulling their weight distributing assists.

Mackenzie Blackwood should start in net Friday. Blackwood’s allowed seven goals on 78 shots in two games, and should receive another big workload in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Jets

A five-day break for the Jets was probably unwanted as they were buzzing to start their season. Beginning with a 6-0 road dub at Edmonton, the Jets shut things down at home with a pair of 2-1 overtime victories before going on this hiatus. Mark Scheifele’s been off to an excellent start with a team-leading four goals and six points. 

On the flip side, Cole Perfetti is still looking for his point of the season after signing a two-year, $6.5-million deal in training camp. Perfetti’s playing the second line left wing spot beside Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers, while also getting some looks on the second power-play unit — the chances are coming. 

It’s safe to assume backup Eric Comrie will make his 2024–25 debut in net. The 29-year-old has started 53 games over his eight-year NHL career, posting an .893 save percentage and 24-26-2 record.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Sharks vs. Jets?

NHL Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • SJ
  • +310 -400
  • WIN
Matchup NHL Odds