The Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks collide at the SAP Center for an East-West showdown. The action will get started at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7, and you are able to witness it live on NBC Sports California.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. San Jose Sharks Odds
San Jose (+115) is entering this one as the underdog to San Jose (-135), and the oddsmakers have put the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-125 for the under, +105 for the over).
San Jose is 14-12 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. That winning percentage, the third-best in the Pacific Division in this young season, is right in line with the 46-36 record the team produced during last year’s regular season campaign. Through 26 regular season contests, 19 of its games have gone under the total, while six have gone over and just one has pushed. The team is 7-7 SU at home this year.
The Sharks have converted on just 16.7 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that places them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated third overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 86.4 percent of all penalties.
The Sharks, as a collective unit, have been penalized 3.9 times per game overall this season, and 3.0 per game over their last five at home. The team’s had to stave off opponent power plays for 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, overall.
Averaging 25.7 saves per game with a .923 save percentage, Martin Jones (10 wins, nine losses, and two OT losses) has been the best option in goal for the Sharks this year. If head coach Peter Deboer chooses to give him a breather, however, San Jose may turn to Aaron Dell (4-6-6 record, .933 save percentage, 1.93 goals against average).
The Sharks will continue relying on leadership from Logan Couture and Joe Thornton. Couture (21 points) has tallied 13 goals and eight assists and has recorded two or more points in six different games this year. Thornton has four goals and 12 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 14 games.
Carolina is 11-15 straight up (SU) and has lost 6.3 units for moneyline bettors thus far. A total of 13 of its matches have gone over the total, while 11 have gone under and just two have pushed. The Hurricanes are 5-8 SU as the road team this season.
The Hurricanes have converted on just 16.3 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s ranked 28th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 26th overall and it’s successfully killed off 76.9 percent of all penalties.
Carolina’s players have been penalized only 2.8 times per game in total this season, and 3.5 per game over their past ten match ups. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays 8.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Scott Darling (24.3 saves per game) has been the primary choice in the net for Carolina. Darling owns a 7-13-5 record, while registering a .902 save percentage and 2.69 goals against average this year.
Teuvo Teravainen (eight goals, 14 assists) has been one of the top playmaking threats for the visiting Hurricanes.
Carolina Hurricanes at San Jose Sharks Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Hurricanes, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
Two of Carolina’s last ten games have been decided by a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 2-3 overall in shootouts this season.
The under has hit in four of San Jose’s last five games.
Six of Carolina’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-4 in those games.
