Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take on one of the surprise teams in the league, the Columbus Blue Jackets. 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. Let’s look at the Sharks facing off against the upstart Blue Jackets. 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 Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Sharks 1-0 Blue Jackets
Time: 7 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: FDSNOH, NBCSCA, ESPN+
The First Matchup
In the first game between these two teams, San Jose won 2-1 in overtime. Vitek Vanecek was the star of the show, as he stopped 49 of Columbus’ 50 shots. Offensively, Jack Thompson found the back of the net, while Alexander Wennberg netted the OT winner. Fabian Zetterlund also registered two assists. The Blue Jackets are hoping that their strong play since then will lead them to a win in this one, while the Sharks are looking to build upon their most recent win on Tuesday.
Sharks Aiming to Carry Momentum Built
San Jose defeated the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night 6-3 and is seeking some momentum in the second game of their road trip. The story of recent Sharks games has been William Eklund. He had three points against the Red Wings and seven in his last five games, leading the team. The 22-year-old is continuing his great season, bringing his point total to 34 in 41 games. Tyler Toffoli also had three points on Tuesday and keeps leading the team with 16 goals. First-overall pick Macklin Celebrini added two assists to his great rookie campaign. He’s up to 31 points, tied for second among rookies.
In the net, Alexandar Georgiev stopped 25 Detroit shots and secured the win. For Georgiev, it was nice to see him get rewarded with a win after two strong games that resulted in losses. However, expect Yaroslav Askarov to see the action against the Blue Jackets and try to sweep the season series.
Blue Jackets Need to Keep Pace in Busy Eastern Conference Playoff Race
The Blue Jackets are one of the league’s surprising stories in 2024-25. Under new coach Dean Evason, the team currently sits in the second Eastern Conference wild-card position and is riding a five-game winning streak into this matchup. The youth movement is one of the key reasons for Columbus’ success. Of the six highest-scoring forwards, five of them are under the age of 24. Namely, Kirill Marchenko has been dynamite, with 48 points in 44 games. Dmitri Voronkov, Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger and Adam Fantilli round out the list. Voronkov is red-hot with four goals in the last five games.
However, the two key veterans for Columbus, Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan, are giving the Jackets everything they could ask for. Werenski is tied with Cale Makar for first in points and leads all defensemen with 15 goals. He has cemented himself in the Norris trophy conversation. Monahan has 41 points in 41 games and leading Columbus’ top line. In the net, Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov have started a majority of the games, with Merzlikins being the starter. He’s posted a .889 SV% in his 28 starts, while Tarasov’s SV% is down at just .862. The Jackets will need their goaltending to solidify if they want to make the playoffs. Merzlikins hasn’t seen the crease in a week, so expect him to get the start against the Sharks.
Prediction
This game should be high-scoring and highly entertaining. Both teams have had some consistency issues in the net and can find ways to score. However, if Askarov starts, the Sharks are given a calming presence in the net that should serve them well. The Blue Jackets are hot, but San Jose can stunt their winning ways.
Prediction: San Jose wins 5-3
Main photo by: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Jan. 16 San Jose Sharks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.