San Jose Sharks vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction, 12/31/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: San Jose Sharks vs Colorado Avalanche

Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Location: Ball Arena in Denver, CO

TV: Altitude Sports

Ball Arena is the location where the Colorado Avalanche (21-11-3) will meet the San Jose Sharks (9-24-3) on Sunday.

The San Jose Sharks were on the losing side of the ice with a 5-0 loss against the Oilers in the last game they played. San Jose earned 2 penalty mins in this game. The Sharks had a below average offensive performance in the loss. Additionally, they had 3 attempts on the power play but didn't net one. For the game, they went home without being able to finish on any of the 25 shots they put on net.

When playing at even strength, the Sharks let the opposition score 115 goals while getting 56 on the offensive side of the ice. San Jose Sharks opponents have earned 122 power play tries (4th in the league) and have earned 32 goals in those chances. In relation to their goal scoring prowess, the San Jose Sharks have racked up 74 goals (32nd in the NHL) this year and have given up 147. San Jose has taken 923 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 8.0%. For the current season, they have accumulated 21 points and their points % is .292. The Sharks have seen 1,285 shots tried against them and have earned a save percentage of .886. San Jose comes into tonight with 95 power play chances and they have scored 18 goals out of those attempts, garnering them a percentage of 18.95%.

The player between the pipes for this game is Mackenzie Blackwood. During his career on the ice, Blackwood has accounted for 85 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .518. His save percentage currently is at .903 for his 9,804 minutes between the pipes. Blackwood has seen 5,228 shots against him and has accrued 4,723 saves. The opposition has scored 505 goals against Blackwood in his professional career and his goals against rate is 3.09. He has amassed a mark of 69-71-20 and he has started in 164 games. Blackwood has taken the ice for 175 games during his hockey career.

Their last time out, Colorado went up against the Coyotes in a matchup where the Avalanche took the loss by a final score of 5-4. They had 3 power play attempts in this contest and scored 2 out of those opportunities. The Avalanche scored 4 goals of the 24 shots on goal they were seeking.

On the campaign, the Colorado Avalanche have a total of 128 goals, 45 points, and a points percentage of .643. They have allowed 108 goals to be scored by of a combination of 88 goals at even strength and 20 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Avalanche have accumulated 96 goals at even strength and 32 goals (3rd in professional hockey) while on the power play. They have a tally of 130 chances on the power play and they have a power play percentage of 24.62%. Colorado has taken 1,120 shots (4th in the league) and has earned a shot percentage of 11.43%, while allowing the other team 1,027 shots. They have earned a penalty kill rate of 83.47% on their oppositions 121 power play chances, and their save percentage comes in at 89.5%.

For the opposition you will find Alexandar Georgiev defending the goal. Georgiev is sitting with a lifetime record of 115-72-19 and has participated in 219 games. Georgiev's quality start rate is 54.6% and he has qualified for 113 quality starting assignments in his pro career. He has tallied 5,859 saves out of 6,440 shots attempted against him, which gives him a save percentage of .910. Opponents are averaging 2.82 goals/game and he has relinquished 581 goals altogether. He has made the start in 207 contests and has played 12,342 minutes.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Colorado

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