NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Coyotes vs Sharks (Thursday, December 21)
Pictured: Logan Cooley. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)
Coyotes vs. Sharks Odds
| Coyotes Odds | -156 |
| Sharks Odds | +130 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 +104 / -128 |
Here's everything you need to know about Coyotes vs Sharks on Thursday, Dec. 21 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
With a three-game winning streak on the line, the Arizona Coyotes take on the San Jose Sharks. Prior to this winning streak, Arizona lost four in a row, so it’s definitely a volatile team. Regardless, the Coyotes are in decent position, standing fifth in a competitive Central Division.
The Sharks have had themselves an interesting month. From winning six out of nine games to start, they have now lost three in a row and are coming back down to earth. They’re clearly a rebuilding team, and are tied for the worst record in the NHL.
Here’s a look at the odds, as well as my Coyotes vs Sharks betting prediction.
There’s definitely a lot to like with this Coyotes roster. Clayton Keller is practically a star, even if people haven’t taken notice yet, and Mattias Maccelli has solidified himself as a high-end playmaker. They have also received legitimate goal scoring with Lawson Crouse and a surprising riser in Michael Carcone.
Even with the higher end talent on the offensive end, Arizona still struggles 5-on-5. It’s ranked 21st in expected goals with a 48.61 xGF%, and plays to a 26th best 2.85 xGA/60.
Arizona is surprisingly really strong on special teams. It has the 12th best power play, scoring at a 24.5% pace, and on the PK, the Yotes succeed 80% of the time.
It’s probably smart to remember the name Connor Ingram. He’s been a shining star for the Coyotes with a staggering .919 SV% and a +11.0 goals saved above expected (GSAx). I think it’s a safe bet that he’ll start tonight considering Karel Vejmelka spearheaded the last two wins.
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Since San Jose has been at the bottom of the standings, perhaps you haven’t noticed the tear Mikael Granlund is on. He’s registered at least a point in seven of his last nine games. Tomas Hertl is also always a threat as he’s leading the team in points and goals. Similarly, the Sharks have received solid goal scoring from youngster Fabian Zetterlund and veteran Mike Hoffman.
The Sharks have been catching up the ranks but are still the worst at generating 5-on-5 offense with a 40.28 xGF%. Defensively, they’re also the league’s worst, playing to a 3.26 xGA/60.
Special teams have certainly improved, as San Jose is now towards the middle of the rankings, scoring at a 21% clip. The penalty kill is still its kryptonite though, only succeeding 73% of the time.
It seems as if the Sharks are going back and forth between Mackenzie Blackwood and Kaapo Kahkonen in net. Both have pretty identical stats, each hovering over a .900 SV%, but the difference is, Kahkonen has a +4.9 goals saved above expected (GSAx) where Blackwood is around -0.1. Kahkonen may be the ideal one to start here, but since he started the last game, I see Blackwood taking the crease.
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Coyotes vs. Sharks
Betting Pick & Prediction
When these teams squared off last week, they were each in different scenarios. San Jose was on the backend of a hot streak, and Arizona was in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Flip them around now since Arizona has picked itself up and the Sharks are down on their luck.
I feel like this past month was an aberration of some sorts. I think the Coyotes are much better, and they’re having a good enough season to make the playoffs.
The numbers line up as well. While the Yotes aren’t exactly the best 5-on-5 team, they’re far better than the Sharks who are the worst on both ends of the ice. On that note, they’re even more of a threat on the power play since they’ve been able to convert on the power play at a higher rate than most.
FanDuel heavily favors Arizona in this matchup and for good reason. Even though the last time these teams faced off last week, it was a 1-0 bout. Either way, I like the Coyotes and have a whole lot more faith in them than the last place Sharks. To get the best bang for your buck, I’m leaning towards Arizona in regulation.
Pick: Arizona Coyotes 60 Minute Regulation Moneyline at -105
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