Lightning vs Sharks Picks and Prediction – 3/22/2024

In tonight's clash at the SAP Center, the Tampa Bay Lightning (37-25-6) face off against the San Jose Sharks (16-45-7). Tampa Bay, 4th in the Atlantic, seeks to build on recent victories, while San Jose, languishing at 8th in the Pacific, looks to disrupt the Lightning's momentum. Both teams come off contrasting fortunes; Tampa Bay recently bested Vegas 5-3, while San Jose suffered an 8-2 defeat at Nashville. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, riding high from impressive victories, including a dominant 5-3 win over Vegas, showcases a team in form. With a stellar 4-1 record in the last five, spearheaded by Andrei Vasilevskiy's .901 save percentage and a 2.80 goals against average, Tampa Bay's strength on both ends of the ice is on full display. Offensively, they're a force, averaging 3.49 goals per game, led by Nikita Kucherov with 118 points. 

However, it's not just the attack that's noteworthy; defensively, the Lightning have tightened up, allowing 3.4 goals against on average, with Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson between the pipes. The power play, converting at an impressive 28.85%, coupled with a solid penalty kill at 81.2%, demonstrates a balanced threat.

Conversely, the San Jose Sharks are in dire straits, with a mere 2 wins in the last 10 games, highlighting this season's struggles. The goaltending stats mirror the team's challenges, with a 3.48 GAA from Mackenzie Blackwood, who is now sidelined due to injury. San Jose's offense is the league's least intimidating, scoring just 2.2 goals per game, a stark contrast to the defensive woes, allowing 4.0 goals against on average. 

The top scorer, Mikael Granlund, with 45 points, and leading in shots, Fabian Zetterlund, with 162, are bright spots in an otherwise dim season. With significant injuries plaguing the lineup, including Blackwood and Logan Couture, San Jose's uphill battle seems steeper than ever.