NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Bruins vs Sharks (Thursday, October 19)
Pictured: David Pastrnak. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
Bruins vs. Sharks Odds
| Bruins Odds | -275 |
| Sharks Odds | +220 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 +110 / -134 |
The Boston Bruins are up to their usual antics. The Bruins won their opening two games of the season, knocking off the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators, thanks in large part to their stifling defense. Now, they embark on their first road trip of 2023-24, a four-game excursion that starts in northern California. There, they'll find the re-building San Jose Sharks, who are still looking for their first win of the campaign.
Irrespective of personnel changes, the Bruins continue to play one of the tightest brands of defensive hockey out there. Last year, Boston finished eighth in high-danger chances allowed, and that was its worst performance since 2015-16.
The Stanley Cup contenders are off to a similar start this year and limited the Hawks and Predators to 17 combined high-danger opportunities. Likewise, the Bruins have been effective at preventing scoring chances and limited both opponents to 23 or fewer. Although they may face more difficult challenges at other points on their road trip, it's unlikely the Sharks possess the offensive wherewithal to break through.
What's most impressive about the Bruins is their ability to deliver elite offensive metrics without compromising their defensive integrity. Again, we're seeing the extent of their advantage early in 2023-24. Boston has tied or out-chanced it opponent in high-danger and scoring chances in each of the first two games. The Bruins top-end mix of scorers, playmakers and role players makes them one of the best teams in the league yet again.
Unfortunately for the Sharks, their glory days are well behind them, and there's no glimmer of hope for a brighter tomorrow. San Jose has faltered over the past few seasons and has become one of the worst analytics teams in the business. We're seeing the effects of just how toothless the Sharks will be. It'll be a lean year in San Jose.
Sharks goalies are getting absolutely shelled this year. San Jose has given up at least 32 shots in each game this season and its past two opponents have each tallied 42 or more. Predictably, this has resulted in a surge in chances against. At five-on-five, the Sharks are allowing an average of 11.3 high-danger and 28.7 scoring opportunities per game. Those numbers jump to 18.0 and 41.7 across all strengths.
Sadly, the Pacific Division bottom feeders don't have the offensive skills to offset those deficiencies. Somehow, the Sharks out-chanced the Vegas Golden Knights in quality chances in the series opener, but were then out-chanced 26-13 over their next two.
Bruins vs. Sharks
Betting Pick & Prediction
Analytically, these teams couldn't be further apart. The Bruins consistently rank as one of the top teams in virtually every advanced metric. Conversely, the Sharks have been one of the worst teams over the past few seasons and show no signs of improvement.
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