Friday’s NHL bet du jour: San Jose at New Jersey
Thursday recap:
Oil money. McDavid is magnificent.
Moving on to Friday…
Sharks -110
While there is some concern that tonight's visit to the Prudential Center marks the Sharks' first road game, there is a perfect storm of reasons to fade New Jersey tonight. Let's take a closer look. Last night, the Devils erased a two-goal, third period deficit in Ottawa; however, in the process of doing so, Cory Schneider went down with an injury. Keith Kinkaid stepped in and silenced the Senators for the rest of the game as New Jersey ultimately prevailed in overtime.
It is a lot to ask of a goalie to make an appearance on consecutive nights, especially a backup goalie who finished 2-5-2 (2.95 GAA, .888 SV%) on home ice last season. Kinkaid will be supported by a Devils offense that has averaged 4.29 goals per game, but it seems unlikely they will find such success against one of the better defensive teams in the National Hockey League.
After two poor starts, Sharks' goaltender Martin Jones has bounced back with two consecutive wins, allowing two goals in each of the victories. Additionally, last season against the Devils, Jones went 2-0, stopping 47 of 48 shots as the Sharks won 4-0 and 4-1, outpacing New Jersey in shots 79 to 48. The Sharks have fresh legs and should continue to dictate play, as their +45 shot attempt differential is sixth-best in the league. New Jersey is one of the most penalized teams in the league and on the tail end of a back-to-back; they could struggle to contain Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski, especially while short-handed. Expect extra focus from the Sharks for the first game of a road trip. Chomp chomp!
Fair Odds: Sharks -140
Nothing else for Friday on the ice as of now.
YTD: 6-7
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