The San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators open the regular season at 02 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (NHL Network).
These 2 teams played 3 times in the regular season in 2021-22, and most of the outings were forgettable for the Sharks. San Jose lost all 3 meetings, picking up just 1 point in a 1-0 OT loss in Nashville April 12.
The Predators outscored the Sharks 12-1 in the 3 regular-season meetings, as Juuse Saros stopped all 45 shots he faced in the final 2 meetings for a pair of shutouts, including an 8-0 spanking March 5 at home.
Sharks vs. Predators nickname odd
- Moneyline: Sharks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Predators -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sharks +1.5 (-160) | Predators -1.5 (+125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)
Sharks vs. Predators projected goalies
James Reimer (19-17-10, 2.90 GAA, .911 SV%, 1 SO in 2021-22) vs Juuse Saros (38-25-3, 2.64 GAA, .918 SV%, 4 SO in 2021-22)
Optimus Reim made just 1 start against the Predators last season, and it was a good one. He allowed just 2 goals on 25 shots in a 3-1 loss in the Music City, as he received little offensive support.
Saros treated the Sharks rudely in 2021-22, posting a 3-0-0 record with a 0.33 GAA and .986 SV% with 2 shutouts.
Sharks vs. Predators picks and predictions
Prediction
Predators 3, Sharks 1
Moneyline
It’s a different venue, but the result will be the same NASHVILLE (-190) is a little on the expensive side, and right at my personal limit for an ML bet.
Expect the Sharks to come out with a lot of energy, especially C Tomas Hertl, who will be playing in his hometown. However, as the game goes along, look for talent to take over.
The Preds are going to be a playoff team this season, while the Sharks will be in the mix for the top pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Puck line/Against the spread
NASHVILLE -1.5 (+125) is a better value play than the ML. Reimer saw the Preds just once last season – on the road – and he allowed the 2 goals, with one empty-netter in the end. It should be deja vu but this time in Prague as the Sharks offense is expected to be rather toothless again.
Over/Under
The BEST PLAY on the board is UNDER 5.5 (+112).
The last time we saw games overseas thanks to the 2019 NHL Global Series, the Over edged the Under 2-1 in 3 games. Plus, the Over is 6-1 in the past 7 overseas games since October 2017.
However, we haven’t had a dominant goalie like Saros in these games, especially against a team he has handled so well in the recent past.