San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 1/1/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Sunday, January 1, 2023

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

The San Jose Sharks (11-19-7) are headed to United Center on Sunday where they will meet the Chicago Blackhawks (8-22-4).

The San Jose Sharks were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 4-3 defeat to the Flyers their last time on the ice. The Sharks had an average offensive performance in this loss. In the game, they tallied a score on 3 out of the 28 shots they launched. Additionally, they had 3 power play opportunities and netted 1 goal. San Jose garnered 2 penalty minutes in this matchup.

While playing at even strength, the Sharks have conceded 119 goals while notching 88 on offense. San Jose Sharks opponents have earned 107 power play tries (23rd in hockey) and have scored 16 goals in those chances. With respect to their goal scoring prowess, the San Jose Sharks have notched 112 goals (19th in hockey) so far this season and have allowed 135. San Jose has attempted 1,091 shots and has a shooting percentage of 10.3%. For the current season, they have racked up 29 points and their points % is .392. The Sharks so far have had 1,128 shots attempted against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .880. San Jose has tallied 104 power play chances and they have scored 24 goals out of those tries, garnering them a rate of 23.08%.

The man in net for this game is Kaapo Kahkonen. For his career, Kahkonen has compiled 38 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .507. His save percentage is .902 in his 4,479 minutes played. Kahkonen has had 2,321 shots against him and has amassed 2,093 total saves. Opponents have scored 228 goals against Kahkonen in his pro hockey career and his goals against rate is 3.05. He has amassed a win-loss record of 36-30-8 and he started in 75 games. Kahkonen has participated in 79 contests during his professional hockey career.

In their last contest, Chicago went up against the Blues in a game where the Blackhawks took a loss by a score of 3-1. They had 2 chances on the power play in this matchup and netted 1 out of those opportunities. The Blackhawks notched 1 goal out of the 22 shots on goal they pursued.

On the season, the Chicago Blackhawks have 76 goals, 20 points, as well as a points percentage of .294. They have allowed 126 goals to be scored by way of 97 goals at even strength and 29 goals while they were shorthanded. The Blackhawks are sitting with 53 goals at even strength and 23 goals (23rd in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have recorded 106 chances on the power play and they have accumulated a power play rate of 21.70%. Chicago has put up 903 shots (31st in hockey) and has earned a shot percentage of 8.42%, while allowing the opposition 1,146 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill rate of 72.64% on their opponents 106 tries on the power play, and their save percentage currently sits at 89.0%.

Across the rink you are likely to see Alex Stalock between the pipes. He has compiled 3,773 stops out of 4,151 shots taken, giving him a percentage of .909. Stalock is the owner of a lifetime record of 65-53-19 and has played in 161 contests. He got the starting nod in 132 games and has racked up 8,584 minutes. Stalock's quality start percentage comes out to 55.3% and he has qualified for 73 quality starts in his pro career. Teams are averaging 2.64 goals per game and he has relinquished 378 goals in total.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Guy's Pick: Take Chicago

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