Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Let’s look at the second back-to-back game between the San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. This matchup between San Jose and Seattle is a big one for both teams, as the Kraken are looking to bounce back, while the Sharks are trying to repeat their showing from yesterday. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks at Seattle Kraken
Time: 10:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: KHN, NBCSCA, KONG, ESPN+
Sharks Offence is Clicking at the Right Time
After putting up a season-high eight goals against these Kraken yesterday, the Sharks are looking to repeat their success. Additionally, the team is looking to continue their offensive production, which has been evident in the last week. Yesterday, ten forwards notched a point, led by the team’s big guns. Young star Macklin Celebrini continued his hot streak with a goal and an assist. In 13 games, Celebrini is up to eight goals and 12 points and has eight points in the last five games. Mikael Granlund, Will Smith and Klim Kostin also had a goal and an assist. Granlund’s team-leading point total is up to 26. He is also the first Shark to reach double-digit goals. After a brutal start to his career, Smith is quietly up to ten points in 20 games. Fabian Zetterlund and William Eklund also chipped in two assists, while Tyler Toffoli had one. Youngster Ethan Cardwell also netted his first career NHL goal.
He’ll remember that one forever!#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/IVq3E1pjNh
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 29, 2024
Defensively, Jake Walman had two goals and is up to 17 points this season. Timothy Liljegren also found the back of the net for his third of the year. In the net, Vitek Vanecek did not have his best game. He faced 31 shots and surrendered five goals to the Kraken, three coming in the first period. Vanecek will get the opportunity to rest, as Mackenzie Blackwood will be between the pipes on Saturday.
Kraken Aiming to Find Their Winning Ways
The last two games have been ones to forget for the Kraken. Before surrendering eight goals to the Sharks, the club dropped their contest on Wednesday against Anaheim 5-2. Seattle is looking to find their footing and replicate the success they had earlier in the month when they won five of six. Chandler Stephenson led Seattle with three points in the loss and is up to 16 points on the year. 2022 fourth-overall pick Shane Wright also netted two goals. Additionally, Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand found the back of the net. The Kraken are led in points by Jared McCann. He didn’t find himself on the scoresheet on Friday but has 22 total points. Seattle has also been pleased with the play of 23-year-old defenceman Ryker Evans. He registered two assists against the Sharks and is tied for second on the team with 15 points. Evans and Brandon Montour are even in points and have been Seattle’s top two defensemen.
Between the pipes, Joey Daccord has taken the reins as Seattle’s number-one goaltender. He’s started 16 of 24 games and posted strong numbers. Daccord has a .918 SV% and 2.46 GAA to go along with one shutout. Philipp Grubauer, on the other hand, has struggled. Coming into Friday night, Grubauer’s SV% was just .881. Grubauer then surrendered seven goals, with the eighth coming with an empty net. Daccord will see the net on Saturday and will look to give Seattle a chance to secure two points.
Prediction
The Kraken should come into this game with a sense of urgency. The team has stayed around .500 since their hot streak and needs to keep pace in the standings. However, the Sharks are firing on all cylinders offensively and should get strong play in the net. Expect this matchup to be low-scoring and San Jose to come out on top for the second day in a row.
Prediction: San Jose wins 2-1
Main Photo: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Nov. 30 San Jose Sharks vs. Seattle Kraken appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.