Columbus Blue Jackets vs
San Jose SharksPredictions & Preview

San Jose Sharks Favored to Beat Columbus Blue Jackets Despite Slow Starts: Preview and Odds for NHL Matchup

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off two bad losses after winning two in a row and are tied for the third-fewest points in the Eastern Conference. This is their first game of the season against the San Jose Sharks, who have struggled early on with the fewest points in the NHL. The Sharks had won three in a row before their last loss, which was their first win streak of the season after losing their first nine games. The odds for the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks game are not posted yet, but Columbus opens as the betting favorite at -131. Be sure to check back for updated odds.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Blue Jackets -131 | Sharks +113
• Spread: Blue Jackets -1.5 (+184) | Sharks +1.5 (-220)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Columbus will win straight-up is 57%.

Columbus vs San Jose Stats

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets have struggled defensively in their last two games, giving up a total of 13 goals after previously only allowing one in two consecutive wins. In their most recent game against the Washington Capitals, they were dominated with a final score of 7-2, despite outshooting their opponents. Goalie Daniil Tarasov had a rough game, giving up all seven goals, prompting a potential switch to Elvis Merzlikins in the next game. The team's offense has been solid, averaging 3.55 goals per game, but their defense ranks 24th in the NHL with an average of 3.46 goals allowed per game. Top scorers for the Blue Jackets include Kirill Marchenko and Sean Monahan. The team currently holds a 5-5-1 record for the season.

San Jose Sharks Analysis

In their last game, the San Jose Sharks suffered a 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at home, giving up the game-winning goal with only 26 seconds left in regulation. Nico Sturm and Mikael Granlund scored in the loss, with the team being outshot 27-23. Mackenzie Blackwood, with a 2-4-2 record and 3.52 GAA, gave up three goals in the game. Vitek Vanecek, with a 1-4-0 record and 3.65 GAA, may start the next game after giving up two goals in his last start. The Sharks are struggling offensively, averaging 2.46 goals per game and ranking 29th in the league, while also struggling defensively, giving up an average of 3.77 goals per game and ranking 30th. Granlund leads the team in points, assists, and is tied for goals, with Tyler Toffoli as the only other player with double figures in points. The team has a 2-3-1 record on home ice. The San Jose Sharks have a power ranking of 31 and are ranked 29th for offense and 30th for defense, with an overall record of 3-8-2. Columbus has struggled in their last three matchups against San Jose, going 0-2-1.

San Jose Sharks Favored to Beat Columbus Blue Jackets Despite Slow Starts

Both teams struggled last season and have had a slow start this season. The San Jose Sharks currently have the fewest points in the NHL, but have shown improvement with a three-game winning streak before a narrow loss in their last game. The Columbus Blue Jackets, on the other hand, had two consecutive wins before suffering heavy defeats in their last two games. Despite Columbus's past victories against San Jose, the Sharks are expected to capitalize on their recent defensive improvements and take advantage of Columbus's defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded 13 goals in their last two games. The Sharks are favored to come out on top in this matchup.

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