In what could be charitably called a clash between two teams looking toward next season, the San Jose Sharks welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to SAP Center with both squads desperate to snap their recent losing streaks.
While the Sharks' leaky defense has been their Achilles' heel all season - surrendering a league-worst 3.70 goals per game - the Blackhawks' recent acquisition Spencer Knight has been a rare bright spot, posting an impressive .941 save percentage in his first three starts.
The Sharks and Blackhawks split their previous two meetings this season with each team defending home ice, setting up an intriguing rubber match between these struggling Western Conference rivals.
San Jose Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks prediction: who will win?
For tonight's San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks matchup, our predictive model gives the Hawks a 60% chance of defeating the Sharks.
Pre-game probabilities
Chicago Blackhawks
Moneyline
Win %
60%
40%
San Jose Sharks
Chicago Blackhawks: 60% win probability
- Better offensive output (178 goals scored vs Sharks' 173)
- Higher points total (49 points vs Sharks' 43)
- Stronger recent form (LLWLW vs Sharks' LLLWW)
San Jose Sharks: 40% win probability
- League-worst goals against (248 goals conceded)
- Poorest win record in Western Conference (17 wins in 66 games)
- Lowest points total in conference (43 points in 66 games)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| San Jose Sharks | Chicago Blackhawks | |
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San Jose Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks preview
Two struggling Western Conference teams face off at the SAP Center as the Blackhawks look to snap their recent cold streak against a Sharks squad that's hit rock bottom.
Chicago's new netminder Spencer Knight has been a bright spot since joining at the trade deadline, posting an impressive .941 save percentage in his first three starts with the team.
The Sharks' recent defensive woes continue to haunt them, with Alexandar Georgiev struggling between the pipes and the team allowing a league-worst 3.70 goals per game.
While both teams have had their offensive struggles, the Blackhawks' special teams could be the difference-maker - they're converting 25% of their power plays while San Jose's penalty kill ranks near the bottom of the league.
The SAP Center hasn't been kind to visitors this season, but the Sharks' recent three-game skid, including a tough loss to Nashville where they blew a late comeback, suggests they're still searching for answers.
Keep an eye on Sharks' newcomer Collin Graf, who found the net in their last outing and could provide some much-needed offensive spark for the home team.
These teams split their previous two meetings this season with each winning on home ice, setting up an intriguing rubber match despite both clubs being well out of playoff contention.
San Jose Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks form
San Jose Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks head to head
San Jose Sharks
17%
Chicago Blackhawks
83%
Nov 1, 2024
San Jose Sharks
3 : 2
Chicago Blackhawks
Oct 18, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks
4 : 2
San Jose Sharks
Mar 24, 2024
San Jose Sharks
4 : 5
Chicago Blackhawks
Mar 17, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks
5 : 2
San Jose Sharks
Jan 17, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks
2 : 1
San Jose Sharks
Feb 26, 2023
San Jose Sharks
3 : 4
Chicago Blackhawks
