Sharks vs Hurricanes Odds
| Sharks Odds | +280 |
| Hurricanes Odds | -360 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 +108 / -132 |
It’s been a rough stretch for the San Jose Sharks as they head to Raleigh and take on the Carolina Hurricanes. There's no question that this is a rebuilding year for them. San Jose has started the season on a seven-game losing streak, including a horrid loss to the Lightning last night, 6-0.
The Hurricanes have to be one of the more complete teams in the league. However, things aren’t as peachy for the Canes as we all predicted on Opening Night. They were smoked by the Lightning on Tuesday 3-0, but reclaimed victory last night in overtime. Prior to last night’s win, though, they did lose three out of their last four.
Here’s a look at the odds, as well as my betting prediction for the San Jose Sharks vs Hurricanes clash.
San Jose Sharks
With captain Logan Couture out on IR, it all falls on Tomas Hertl’s shoulders. The veteran has been a critical part to this franchise for years, and he now enters the darkest days in San Jose. Behind Hertl, Fabian Zetterlund and Filip Zadina have been the more reliable goal scorers, which isn’t saying much since they lead the team with only two in seven games.
It should go without saying that the Sharks rank last in both offensive and defensive categories. They play to a whopping 36.32 xGF% (expected goals) with a horrid 3.46 xGA/60.
On special teams, San Jose isn’t any better. Its power play only has scored three times out of 22 opportunities. The penalty kill also succeeds at a 74% rate, which is tied for 23rd in the league.
Mackenzie Blackwood started last night, only for Kaapo Kahkonen to come in relief after last night’s disaster. I would assume Kahkonen gets the nod tonight since that was the original plan. Kahkonen has been OK since coming to the Bay and currently he’s playing to an .897 SV% and a +0.7 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
Carolina Hurricanes
Three of Carolina’s leading goal scorers are not the ones you'd expect. Seth Jarvis is poised for a breakout year, Jaccob Slavin is having his best offensive start of his career and Jesperi Kotkaniemi is proving the Canes right for signing him to an eight-year deal. All average a point per game. That’s not even mentioning Sebastian Aho and last night’s overtime hero Martin Necas.
Though it may not show it in the standings, the 'Canes have played well. They drive play at a high rate, ranking 10th in expected goals with a 53.45 xGF%. Defensively, they’ve always been superb, this time placing fifth with a 2.27 xGA/60.
With some of the best playmakers in the league, it’s no surprise seeing the Hurricanes scoring on the power play at a 23% rate. I only expect that number to go up. Conversely, goaltending has been a hot button issue for Carolina, so it’s no surprise that the penalty kill has struggled. The Canes only succeed 69.7% of the time there, so that's definitely something to keep an eye on.
Last night, Freddie Andersen came out with the win, so I’d assume Antti Raanta takes the crease tonight. Raanta has had a rough stretch so far just like the other two net-minders he shares a net with. However, he’s been worse, playing to an .818 SV% and a -3.7 GSAx. Obviously it’s still early, but not a great start for the Finn.
Sharks vs. Hurricanes
Betting Pick & Prediction
Whenever there’s a massive talent discrepancy, trying to find the best value in the game is hard. Luckily, FanDuel has the puck line at -140, which I think is extremely generous. It’s about time that the Canes pull away from the pack and start winning games. Tonight against the Sharks can help with that.
I know losing streaks always come to an end, but it’s hard to see the end in sight. This team is rebuilding and all eyes are on that shiny No. 1 pick in June. The next winnable game I see for San Jose is probably in a couple of weeks.
There’s always a chance, but I’m taking the rational bet here. After getting smoked by the Lightning last night, a game in Carolina will not help heal the wound at all. Hurricanes -1.5 is a good play here, and I would get on it before the value rises.
Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 -140 (play to -150)
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