Game Preview:
- Teams: San Jose Sharks (4-9-2, Pacific Division) vs. New Jersey Devils (10-5-2, Metropolitan Division)
- Date: Sunday, 7 p.m. EST
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
- Betting Line: Devils -344, Sharks +270; Over/Under: 6.5
The New Jersey Devils (10-5-2) will look to build on their recent success when they host the struggling San Jose Sharks (4-9-2) this Sunday evening in Newark. The Devils, fresh off a hard-fought 4-3 overtime victory over the New York Islanders, have been playing strong hockey, while the Sharks have been struggling to find consistency, especially on the road, where they’ve posted a dismal 1-5-1 record.
Team Breakdown:
New Jersey Devils: The Devils come into this game with a solid 10-5-2 record and a respectable 4-2-2 mark on home ice. Their success has been powered by a high-scoring offense, ranking near the top in goals per game. Leading the charge is Jack Hughes, who has accumulated seven goals and 11 assists, playing a pivotal role in New Jersey’s attack. The team has also benefited from strong performances across the board, including contributions from Luke Hughes and Fabian Zetterlund, who have been critical in the Devils’ recent wins.
Defensively, New Jersey has shown solid play despite averaging over three goals allowed per game. The Devils rank ninth in the league in penalties, averaging 8.9 penalty minutes per game, meaning their penalty kill will need to stay sharp against a Sharks team looking to capitalize on power-play opportunities.
San Jose Sharks: The Sharks enter this matchup with a 4-9-2 overall record and have struggled significantly on the road with just one win in seven attempts. Their offensive struggles have been a major concern, as they have only scored 36 goals through 15 games, one of the lowest totals in the league. Fabian Zetterlund, with six goals and four assists, has been one of the few bright spots for the Sharks this season. However, the team has given up 55 goals, reflecting a troubling -19 goal differential.
San Jose will need a complete team effort to compete with the Devils on Sunday. Despite their challenges, the Sharks’ penalty kill has been relatively effective, but they will need to improve both defensively and offensively to have a chance in Newark.
Recent Form:
- Devils’ Last 10 Games: 5-3-2, averaging 4 goals, 6.3 assists, and 3.8 penalties per game. They’ve shown a well-balanced attack but have been inconsistent defensively, giving up 3.2 goals per game.
- Sharks’ Last 10 Games: 4-6-0, averaging 2.5 goals, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 penalties per game. Defensively, they’ve allowed 3.1 goals per game, and while their offense has struggled, they will need to step up in this matchup.
Key Players to Watch:
- Jack Hughes (Devils): Hughes has been an offensive dynamo, and his playmaking abilities have been central to the Devils’ success this season. His chemistry with his line will be a key factor as New Jersey looks to continue their strong play.
- Luke Hughes (Devils): Over the past 10 games, Luke has emerged as a strong contributor, particularly on the blue line. His ability to join the rush and create scoring chances will be crucial.
- Fabian Zetterlund (Sharks): Zetterlund has been one of the few consistent offensive threats for San Jose. His ability to generate offense will be crucial if the Sharks are to stand a chance in this road matchup.
Injury Report:
Both teams come into this game relatively healthy, with no major injuries listed for either side. This will give both squads the opportunity to field their best rosters.
Outlook:
The New Jersey Devils will enter this game as heavy favorites against a Sharks team that has been struggling both offensively and defensively. While San Jose has shown flashes of promise, their inconsistency—particularly on the road—makes them a long shot in this matchup. The Devils’ potent offense, led by Jack Hughes, combined with a solid home record, should give them the edge as they look to keep pace with other top teams in the Metropolitan Division.
For the Sharks, the key will be improving their defensive coverage while finding a way to break through against New Jersey’s dynamic offense. With the Devils averaging four goals per game over their last 10 outings, it will take a near-perfect performance from the Sharks to keep the game close.
Prediction: With home ice advantage and a more potent lineup, the Devils are poised to continue their strong play and extend their winning streak against a Sharks team still searching for answers.
Expect a high-paced game with New Jersey emerging victorious, potentially covering the spread if their offense continues to click.
