Liontips
San Jose vs. Vegas: NHL Match Prediction
In the final match of the first NHL game day after the Christmas break, San Jose will play against Vegas in California. The hosts really needed a break, because they were unable to win a single match in the second half of December. The Golden Knights went on vacation at the peak of their game form and are unlikely to show the same strong level of hockey at the end of the calendar year. How will this match turn out? Read our forecast for the game on December 28
Command Analysis
San Jose Sharks
USACurrent form
San Jose is in 13th place in the Western Conference standings and has 28 points after 37 games. The team from California was close to the playoff zone, but due to weak results, it again returned to the outsiders. The Sharks started December well, but now the hosts have only one win in their previous six starts. Ryan Warfovsky team finished the away series with a victory in Missouri over the local St. Louis (4:3), and after returning home they lost with the same score to Winnipeg (3:4) and Utah (3:4). Before the break, the Sharks lost to Edmonton (2:3, OT) and Vancouver (3:4) in Canada, although they opened the scoring in both matches.
The Californians remain the most conceding team in the conference. On average, the red light behind the San Jose goal comes on 3.59 times per game, while at home this figure is slightly better - 3.44. Alexander Georgiev played three games after moving from Colorado, but so far he has not been very good. The Russian has reflected 86.91% of shots, but against the background of Vitek Vanecek injury, the "sharks" simply have no alternative. Yaroslav Askarov got his chance, but he was also unable to help his partners win.
Mikael Granlund remains a bright spot in the Sharks' offense. The forward from Finland has 33 points (11+22) in the goal+pass system, and so far only William Eklund can get close to the leader. The latter participated in 27 successful attacks for the hosts (7+20).
Disqualifications and injuries
Logan Couture, Vitek Vanecek and Jake Wahlman remain on the injured list, while William Eklund is questionable.
Interesting trends for betting
- San Jose averages 24 hits per game
The Sharks play tough against their opponents and make a lot of power plays.
- The Sharks have managed to win six games on their home ice
San Jose has earned most of its points on its home court this season.
Vegas Golden Knights
USACurrent form
Vegas is determined to fight for the conference lead and is now just one step away from the desired goal. The Golden Knights have 49 points in 34 games this season and are in second place in the West, only two points behind Winnipeg. The visitors have two games in hand and have already captured sole leadership in the Pacific Division. Bruce Cassidy charges played a series of home games at the end of December. They won against Vancouver (3:1), Seattle (6:2) and Anaheim (3:1), showing excellent offensive play. The Golden Knights could not beat the Ducks throughout the game, but they finished off the Ducks in the second half of the third 20 minutes.
Jack Eichel remains the Nevada club leading scorer. The forward has 45 points (9+36) and only recently left the league top ten players in points. Mark Stone has only recently returned to action after an injury, but the captain has already made a huge contribution to his club success.
Adin Hill is unlikely to lose his position as the team number one player amid Ilya Samsonov poor performances this season. The Canadian has stopped 90.51% of shots and made two shutouts in 22 starts. At the same time, the Russian allows almost three goals per game and has never left the ice dry.
Disqualifications and injuries
Robin Lehner is in the visiting team infirmary. Ivan Barbashev and Nicolas Roy have not yet confirmed their participation in the game.
Interesting trends for betting
- Vegas gets 5.44 penalty minutes per game.
The Nevada club demonstrates good discipline and rarely gets sent off more than three times per match.
- The Knights are averaging just 30 shots per game.
The visitors don't bother the opposing goalkeepers very often.
Trends
Bet 3rd period: total over 1.5 goals
In the last three games involving Vegas, the third period has been productive
1.47Bet 1st period: “Vegas” handicap (0)
San Jose hasn't beaten Vegas in the first period in four straight games.
1.45Tip and bets
San Jose can't get things going on defense and are conceding a lot in almost every game. The Sharks look good up front, but they can't regularly outscore their opponents. Vegas is in great shape and is close to leading the West. With Mark Stone back, the Golden Knights are playing even better on offense and scoring more than other teams in the division. Not long ago, the Golden Knights crushed the Sharks on their home ice, scoring seven goals. We offer a bet on another victory for the Nevada club.
We bet on Vegas to win for 1.70
Bet on individual total
San Jose often allows more than three goals per game and is one of the weakest teams in the NHL in terms of home zone play. Vegas has been consistently good on offense this stretch of the season. Jack Eichel has slowed down a bit in points, but Mark Stone is back and has been scoring in almost every game.
We take the individual total of Vegas over 3.5 goals for 1.92
Total Bet
San Jose rarely plays boring games and is still the most conceding team in the conference. Vegas is one of the most productive teams in the league and often scores and concedes a lot. The last matches between the opponents were not always bright, but now we expect at least six accurate shots from the teams.
We bet on total over 5.5 goals with odds of 1.57
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