NHL betting preview (Feb. 24): Sharks vs. Jets odds
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Monday’s matchup between the San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets.
Sharks vs. Jets Odds
- San Jose sharks Moneyline: +350
- Winnipeg Jets Moneyline: -475
- Puck Line: Sharks +2.5 (-125), Jets -2.5 (+105)
- Game Total: 6 (Over -102, Under -118)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Handicapping the Sharks (15-43 SU, 35-23 ATS, 27-28-3 O/U)
The Sharks opened their seven-game road trip with their fifth straight loss on Sunday and now face Winnipeg in the second half of a back-to-back. They have dropped four straight and four of their last five against the Jets, including an 8-3 loss in their only trip to Winnipeg this season.
Wins have been rare, with just two in their last 16 games dating back to Jan. 4. A loss Monday would mark their fourth losing streak of six or more games this season. They started the campaign with nine straight losses, followed by streaks of eight in December and six in January.
According to Evolving Hockey, San Jose ranks last in shots against and 31st in expected goals against, so it’s no surprise they allow the most goals per 60 minutes (3.68) this season. Offensively, they rank 32nd in expected goals for and 31st in goals per 60 minutes (2.72).
At even strength, the Sharks rank last in expected goals percentage, shot attempt percentage, and goal share. They also have the league’s seventh-worst power play and rank in the bottom 10 on the penalty kill.
That said, given that the Sharks have been an underdog in every game so far this season, their puck line record (35-23) means that they haven’t been blown out in as many games as one would expect. Still, San Jose has been the least-profitable underdog bet in the NHL.
Handicapping the Jets (40-17 SU, 31-26 ATS, 27-27-3 O/U)
Monday will be one of just four chances for Winnipeg fans to see the Jets at home before March 20, as the team plays nine of its next 13 games on the road. If the odds are any indication, they’re in for a treat.
The Jets are aiming for their 10th straight win, and with moneyline odds of -475 or greater for just the third time this season, it’s highly likely. Since last season, home teams favored at -350 or greater have gone 19-0 straight-up.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck returns to the crease for the first time since Team USA’s 3-2 overtime loss to Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final, giving him plenty of rest. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is a near-lock to win again, with current odds of -5000 (98% implied probability). He’s looking for his seventh straight win and sixth in a row against the Sharks.
Monday also marks the return of defenseman Josh Morrissey, who missed the 4 Nations Face-Off final and Winnipeg’s game against St. Louis due to an illness. Morrissey (7-39–46) ranks fifth on the team in points and is tied for seventh among defensemen league-wide.
However, the Jets may be without captain Adam Lowry, who left practice early Monday morning. Reporter Mike McIntyre noted that Lowry was scheduled to speak with the media but was pulled at the last minute. His status for the game remains uncertain.
Best bet for Sharks vs. Jets
From a betting perspective, the Jets have been the second-most profitable moneyline team this season, but they’re just 5-5 straight-up at home when favored at -200 or greater. So while they’re very likely to win Monday’s game, I’ll be taking a different approach to betting on them.
- Cole Perfetti Over 0.5 Points (-105) at Sports Interaction
Cole Perfetti takes his six-game point streak into Monday’s game against the Sharks. The 23-year-old has scored at least one point in seven of his last eight outings, tallying 11 points in total during that stretch, so -105 seems like a steal given the matchup. Additionally, Perfetti has registered two goals and three assists in two games versus the Sharks so far this season.