There is a Pacific Division tilt to conclude Thursday evening’s NHL slate, with the first-place Vegas Golden Knights hosting the seventh-place San Jose Sharks. Low-scoring contests have been a trend when these two clubs collide, with six or fewer total goals scored in four of the last six meetings.
Will that be the case once again tonight, or can the scoring pick up this time around? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Sharks vs Golden Knights on Thursday, February 16.
Sharks vs Golden Knights best odds
Sharks vs Golden Knights picks and predictions
The San Jose Sharks have been involved in lower-scoring contests recently, with six or fewer total goals scored in each of their last three games and five of their last eight. The biggest reason for this stretch of low-scoring games is San Jose’s underrated blueline.
The Sharks rank in the top half of the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5. Backing up this defense is goaltender Aaron Dell, who is filling in for the injured Kaapo Kahkonen and James Reimer, the latter of which is deemed day-to-day with an illness.
While Dell is 0-3 this season as a starter, he still boasts strong numbers. Through four appearances in the crease this year, he possesses a .913 SV% and a 2.71 GAA.
While it is an extremely small sample size, Dell’s underlying metrics are outstanding. If he qualified, Dell would rank third among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.
This strong play is likely to continue against the Vegas Golden Knights, a team Dell has previously fared well against. Over his last two starts against the Knights, he boasts a .947 SV% and a 2.00 GAA.
Adin Hill is projected to start between the pipes for Vegas. Entering this contest in dominant form, Hill is 4-2 with a .932 SV% and a 1.98 GAA over his last six starts.
There were six or fewer total goals scored in four of those six outings. This excellent play will likely continue against San Jose, a team he has done extremely well against previously.
Hill is 5-2 with a .926 SV% and a 2.41 GAA over seven career outings against the Sharks. His job is made much easier by the fact that one of the best defensive teams in the league plays in front of him.
The Knights rank fourth in the league in xGA/60 at 5-on-5. With this combination of strong defensive play and goaltending, there have now been six or fewer total goals scored in 10 of Vegas’ last 13 games.
My best bet: Under 6.5 (-105 at DraftKings)
Looking to do some NHL betting? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users at FanDuel can get a no-sweat first bet of up to $1,000! Sign Up Now
B) New users at DraftKings can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets! Sign Up Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Sharks vs Golden Knights moneyline analysis
I would lean toward the Golden Knights’ puckline in this contest, especially against the lowly Sharks. Vegas is better offensively, defensively, and in net.
However, I would much rather just take the Under than lay a goal-and-a-half on the puckline, or invest in a steep moneyline. While the Knights have struggled without winger Mark Stone in the lineup, they are starting to adapt after rattling off three straight victories, each by a 4+ goal margin.
I am not taking a side in this game because I love the Under at 6.5. With that said, if I had to choose, it makes sense why Vegas is a heavy favorite, as they should take care of business on home ice.
Trend bettors should note that the Golden Knights are 39-14 in their last 53 games against teams below .400, while the Sharks are 13-40 in their last 53 games against teams with winning records.
Sharks vs Golden Knights Over/Under analysis
My main concern with taking the Under in this contest is that, while both defenses are strong, both offenses are solid as well. Each club ranks in the top half of the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5.
However, all of the trends point toward the Under. There have been six or fewer total goals scored in four of the last six meetings, in 10 of Vegas’ last 13 games, and in each of San Jose’s last three games.
The strong goaltending and solid defensive play from the Sharks’ Erik Karlsson and the Knights’ Brayden McNabb — among others — should quiet both offenses.
Sharks vs Golden Knights betting trend to know
The Sharks are 3-14 SU in their last 17 meetings with the Golden Knights. Find more NHL betting trends for Sharks vs Golden Knights.
Sharks vs Golden Knights game info
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, City, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date: | Thursday, February 16, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBC Sports California, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain |
