Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play a part. The San Jose Sharks take the ice tonight, aiming to get some revenge against the Nashville Predators. Finally, check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators at San Jose Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: FDSNSO, NBCSCA, ESPN+
The First Matchup
These two clubs met on Tuesday night for the first time this season. Tuesday night’s affair may be the worst of the year in a season filled with regrettable losses. After jumping out to a 5-1 lead shortly into the second period, the Sharks surrendered six unanswered goals, with four coming in the final frame to lose. San Jose gave Alexandar Georgiev some goal support but was especially leaky in every other way. Nashville generated 41 shots on the net and capitalized on two of three power play opportunities. The Preds are looking to keep winning, while San Jose is still trying to put together a complete 60 minutes.
A Miserable Stretch for the Sharks
Including Tuesday’s matchup, the Sharks have surrendered three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. The only bright side, however, was the offensive success they found against Nashville, with a lot of it coming from their top players. Mikael Granlund, Macklin Celebrini, and William Eklund each posted two points, with Granlund finding the back of the net twice. Additionally, these three players lead the team in scoring. William Smith, Alexander Wennberg, and Fabian Zetterlund each had a helper in the game. Coach Ryan Warsofsky is looking for more of the same from the forward group in tonight’s affair.
On the back end, Jake Walman scored, which was his first point registered in the last five outings. The team needs him to get going and find more success. Cody Ceci also had two assists in the game. On the net, since Georgiev has recently seen more games than usual, Warsofsky will likely go with Yaroslav Askarov to face his former team.
Predators Looking to Keep Up Their Strong January
Tuesday’s come-from-behind victory was Nashville’s sixth in eight tries in January. They did it with contributions from nearly everyone in the lineup. Jonathan Marchessault had a four-point night, while Filip Forsberg and Tommy Novak had three. Forsberg continues to lead the team in points, up to 45 points in 46 games. In addition, Fedor Svechkov scored, with Steven Stamkos, Colton Sissons, and Zachary L’Heureux adding an assist for each. The Predators’ blue line also had a significant hand in the victory.
Of Nashville’s six defensemen, five registered a point, headlined by superstar Roman Josi. He scored the game-tying goal and assisted the empty-net marker. Justin Barron and Nick Blankenburg also scored, with Luke Schenn and Adam Wilsby tallying an assist for themselves. Jusse Saros started the game in the net but was pulled after allowing four goals on eight shots. Justus Annunen stopped the bleeding, making 15 saves and surrendering just one goal the rest of the game. He provided some stability and let the Preds crawl back in it. Head coach Andrew Brunette may let Annunen see the net, as he was able to stymie San Jose’s offence.
Prediction
Tuesday proved to be a new low for the Sharks in a year full of them. That lackluster defensive play must be cleaned up to see any success. Unfortunately for them, Nashville is playing some of their best hockey of the season. It should follow up Tuesday’s performance with another victory. Tonight’s matchup should also come back down to Earth in terms of scoring.
Prediction: Nashville wins 4-3
Since we like the over 6.5 goals to hit, you can find those odds at +112, which is good value.
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Main Photo by Steve Roberts
The post NHL Predictions: Jan. 23 San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.