Lightning vs Sharks Picks and Prediction – 1/3/2025

On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Lightning (20-12-2) face off against the San Jose Sharks (11-22-6) at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Make sure you stay up to date with all the NHL action, with our expert NHL picks.

San Jose comes into this matchup on a seven-game losing streak prior to their game against Philadelphia. In a recent 3-1 defeat against the Calgary Flames, Yaroslav Askarov, the goaltender for the San Jose Sharks, delivered an impressive performance with 30 saves, achieving a formidable save rate of .938. Throughout the current season, Mikael Granlund has emerged as the top point-scorer for San Jose, accumulating a total of 34 points. Close behind him are Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund, who have each secured 27 points, making them tied for the second-highest scorers on the team. Tyler Toffoli stands out as the Sharks' leading goal-scorer, having found the back of the net 14 times so far this season. Meanwhile, Granlund also leads the team in assists, having provided 23 assists this season. In their recent games, the Sharks have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 4 goals per match over the last five games, which has contributed to their position at the bottom of the Pacific Division standings. With the risk of the season slipping away, San Jose is eager for an offensive resurgence to turn their fortunes around. Presently, the team's offense averages 2.7 goals per game.

Tampa Bay enters this game on a one-game losing streak, but has won three of their last five games. In a recent 5-2 loss against the Montreal Canadiens, Brandon Hagel managed to score a goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning. This NHL season, Nikita Kucherov is the standout player for Tampa Bay, leading the team with a total of 54 points. Following closely behind is Brayden Point, who is the second-highest scorer with 43 points to his credit. Point also holds the title of leading goal-scorer for the Lightning, having found the back of the net 23 times. Meanwhile, Kucherov shines as the assist leader, having set up 37 goals for his teammates this season. Over the past five games, Tampa Bay has averaged 3.4 goals per game and is currently fourth in the Atlantic Division standings. Looking to overturn their recent misfortunes, the Lightning aims for victory against the struggling San Jose Sharks, who are among the league's weakest teams this season. Throughout the entire season, Tampa Bay has maintained an impressive average of 3.9 goals per game.

San Jose has been having a tough time recently, currently enduring a seven-game losing streak. They are eager to break this negative trend as they prepare to host the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team's defense will need to significantly improve its performance to prevent another defeat. Meanwhile, the Lightning's offensive lineup is poised to take advantage of any weaknesses, aiming to score heavily against the home team. Final Score Prediction, Tampa Bay Lightning wins 2-1.