Blue Jackets vs Sharks Picks and Prediction – 2/18/2024

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In a late-night clash at the SAP Center, the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the San Jose Sharks, both teams looking to improve in the standings within each respective division. The Blue Jackets are sitting 8th in the Metropolitan and the Sharks at the bottom of the Pacific. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, despite a poor record, showcase a mix of youth and experience. With a record of 16-26-10, they've struggled to find consistency this season. Yet, the team has demonstrated flashes of potential, particularly on attack. Johnny Gaudreau leads the team with 35 points, highlighting his crucial role in Columbus's attack. Additionally, goaltenders Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov have been pivotal, despite the team's defensive woes, with Merzlikins posting a .904 save percentage across his appearances. 

Columbus's power play hasn't been as effective, operating at a 14.67% success rate, indicating an area for potential improvement. Injuries to key players like Patrik Laine and Adam Boqvist have certainly hampered the season, yet the Blue Jackets continue to fight in every game, showcasing resilience.

The San Jose Sharks, holding 8th place in the Pacific with a 15-33-5 record, face a big set of challenges. The team's offense has been lackluster, ranking last in the NHL for goals scored, a stark contrast to its defensive struggles where they've conceded an average of 3.8 goals per game. Mackenzie Blackwood and Kaapo Kahkonen have shared the goaltending duties, with Blackwood showing promise in recent outings, including a stellar performance in a surprising 6-3 victory over Calgary. 

However, the Sharks have been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture sidelined, significantly impacting the lineup. Despite these challenges, the Sharks have managed to pull off unexpected wins, demonstrating the capability to surprise opponents on any given night.