The San Jose Sharks, spearheaded by Logan Couture and Erik Karlsson, are prepared to take the ice against Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena in a Pacific Division showdown. The opening face-off is at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, and you are able to view the game live on CBC Sports.
San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks Odds
San Jose (+145) is playing the role of underdog to Vancouver (-165), and oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-115 over, -105 under).
Vancouver is 26-22 straight up (SU) and has earned 4.4 units for moneyline bettors this season. That winning percentage, the best in the Pacific Division so far in the early season, is a refreshing turnaround from what the team managed during last year’s regular season (35-47). Through 48 regular season outings, 24 of its games have gone over the total, while 21 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 15-8 SU at home this year.
The Canucks have converted on 23.2 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s good enough for sixth-best in the league. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 16th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.5 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 29.1 saves per game with a .916 save percentage, Jacob Markstrom (18 wins, 16 losses, and three OT losses) has been the top goalkeeper for Vancouver this season. If head coach Travis Green chooses to give him the night off, however, the team could roll with Thatcher Demko (8-7-7 record, .903 save percentage, 3.20 goals against average).
Over on the visiting bench, San Jose is 21-28 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 49 regular season outings, 26 of its games have gone under the total, while 21 have gone over and just two have pushed. As a road team so far, the Sharks are 8-16 SU.
The Sharks have converted on just 16.8 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked first overall and it’s successfully killed off 88.0 percent of all penalties.
Martin Jones (.891 save percentage and 3.22 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for San Jose. Jones is averaging 24.9 saves per game and has 13 wins, 19 losses, and two overtime losses to his credit.
San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks Free Picks
Free Pick: SU Winner – Canucks, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- The Sharks are 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Canucks are 3-1 in shootouts.
- Eight of Vancouver’s last ten games have been decided by two or more goals, and the team is 5-3 overall in those games.
- San Jose skaters have given out the 12th-most hits in the league (22.4 per game).
