Halloween’s nightcap features the San Jose Sharks hosting the Chicago Blackhawks at the SAP Center at 10:30 p.m. ET. NHL odds have Chicago as a -140 favorite, while the total sits at 6.5.
My Blackhawks vs. Sharks predictions are targeting Chicago forward Craig Smith to find the back of the net.
Read on for my NHL picks for Thursday, October 31.
Blackhawks vs Sharks prediction
My best bet
Craig Smith anytime goal (+500 at BetMGM)
My analysis
Usually, targeting a fourth-line forward to score at +500 is a shot in the dark. However, in this specific circumstance, I believe it is one of the most mispriced NHL player props in the entirety of tonight's betting market.
First, veteran Chicago Blackhawks forward Craig Smith skates alongside Pat Maroon and Lukas Reichel on that fourth line. Smith has been the primary chance generator of the three, particularly thriving on Reichel's speed and playmaking ability to set him up for opportunities.
Subsequently, Smith is tied for second on the team in goals with three, all of which came over the past five games. Each of those goals came at 5-on-5, which is important to note as the San Jose Sharks rank 29th in xGA/60 at even-strength.
Smith also skates on the second power-play unit, which is another way to beat the Sharks as they rank in the bottom half of the league in both penalty minutes taken per game and penalty-kill percentage. He’s scored three goals over the past seven meetings against San Jose, which further makes +500 an appealing number.
Backing up the Sharks’ poor blue line is goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who has struggled to deal with the product in front of him. Blackwood is 1-3-2 through six starts with a .888 SV% and 3.89 GAA
Blackhawks vs Sharks same-game parlay (SGP)
Craig Smith anytime goal
Lukas Reichel 1+ assists
Blackhawks moneyline
If Smith finds the back of the net, then, more likely than not, there will be an assist or two on the play. There is not a more probable person to be involved than Lukas Reichel, who skates alongside Smith on both the fourth line and the second PP unit.
Reichel has assisted on all three of Smith’s goals this season.
If we are backing these two skaters to record points, then there is an increased probability of Chicago winning this game. This season, the Hawks outrank the Sharks in xGF/60, xGA/60, and expected goal differential per 60 minutes.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Blackhawks vs Sharks odds
Blackhawks vs Sharks live odds
Blackhawks vs Sharks opening odds
- Puck line: Chicago -1.5 (+165) | San Jose +1.5 (-200)
- Moneyline: Chicago -135 | San Jose +115
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)
Blackhawks vs Sharks trend
San Jose has allowed three or more goals in seven of its past eight games. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Sharks.
How to watch Blackhawks vs Sharks
| Location: | SAP Center, San Jose, CA |
| Date: | Thursday, 10-31-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Chicago SportsNet, NBCS-California |
Blackhawks vs Sharks latest injuries
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