San Jose Sharks @ Utah Hockey Club - October 28, 2024

As we gear up for the matchup between the San Jose Sharks and the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center, there’s plenty of data to sift through that can help us predict what might unfold on the ice.

First, let’s look at the current form of both teams. The Sharks are struggling significantly, with a record of 0-7-2 and on a nine-game losing streak. Their offensive stats paint a bleak picture: they average just 1.9 goals per game with a shooting percentage of only 7.4%. This is compounded by their poor corsi percentage (47.2%) and offensive zone time (49.8%), indicating they’re not generating enough quality chances or maintaining possession in favorable areas.

On the other hand, while the Utah Hockey Club has also faced challenges recently—losing three straight—they have managed to secure an even record of 4-4-1 overall. Their scoring output is slightly better at an average of 2.9 goals per game with a shooting percentage of 10.5%. They also boast superior possession metrics compared to San Jose, with a corsi percentage of 52.2% and an offensive zone percentage hovering around 50.7%. These numbers suggest that Utah has been more effective in creating offense when they do get into attacking positions.

When it comes to special teams, San Jose holds an edge on power plays; their conversion rate stands at 21.4%, while Utah’s is considerably lower at just 16%. However, this advantage may not be as significant given how poorly San Jose has performed overall.

Defensively, both clubs have similar save percentages—Utah at 87% and San Jose slightly better at 87.5%—but it’s worth noting that Utah’s penalty kill (77%) is less effective than San Jose’s (75%). That said, given how frequently San Jose finds themselves in disadvantageous situations due to penalties taken (which often accompany poor play), this statistic may not sway the outcome much.

Given these insights and trends leading into Monday night’s game, my prediction leans toward Utah coming out on top against San Jose based primarily on their ability to generate offense more effectively despite recent struggles. However, I anticipate that because of the Sharks’ desperate need for results—and their potential for covering spreads if they manage to keep it close—they will cover as underdogs.

As for total goals scored during this matchup? I expect it will trend towards being under six total goals based on both teams’ recent scoring difficulties—especially considering how low-scoring games have been throughout much of this season thus far.

In summary:
– Prediction: Utah wins
– Spread: San Jose covers
– Over/Under: Under

With all these factors considered, fans should prepare for what could be another tightly contested battle where every goal counts just a little bit more than usual!