Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks Free Preview 4/12/19

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The Vegas Golden Knights hope to even the series at one game apiece at the SAP Center in Game 2 of the first round of the NHL Playoffs. NBC Sports Network will broadcast the matchup, and the action gets going at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12.

Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks Odds

The Sharks (-135) are being tabbed as the favorites over the Golden Knights (+115), and oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 7 goals (-105 over, -115 under).

San Jose is 47-36 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 83 regular season contests, 47 of its games have gone over the total, while 33 have gone under and just three have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 26-16 SU at home.

The Sharks have converted on 23.7 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 15th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.7 percent of all penalties.

Averaging 24.6 saves per game with a .897 save percentage, Martin Jones (38-25-5) has been the most dependable goalkeeper for San Jose this season. If the Sharks, however, decide to rest him, the team might turn to Aaron Dell (11-14-14 record, .886 save percentage, 3.17 goals against average).

On the visitors’ side of the ice, Vegas is 43-40 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.2 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 83 regular season contests, 41 of its games have gone under the total, while 38 have gone over and just four have pushed. The Golden Knights are 19-23 SU as an away team this season.

The Golden Knights have converted on 17.4 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 13th overall and it’s successfully defended 80.9 percent of all penalties.

Marc-Andre Fleury (26.1 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for Vegas. Fleury has 35 wins, 27 losses, and five OT losses to his credit, and has registered a .912 save percentage and 2.53 goals against average this year.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks Free Picks

Prediction: SU Winner – Golden Knights, O/U – Over

Betting Trends

  • For both of these clubs, the over has hit in three of their last five outings.
  • This game features two teams that shoot the puck early and often. Vegas has taken the league’s second-most shots on goal (34.2) while San Jose has attempted the sixth-most (33.0). The Knights have averaged 29.0 shot attempts over their last five road games and the Sharks have taken 28.4 shots over their last five home outings.
  • Six of Vegas’ last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-4 in those games.
  • Vegas skaters have accounted for the second-most hits in the league (27.8 per game).