Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks 12/21/23 – In an intriguing NHL regular season matchup, the Arizona Coyotes, standing at a respectable 15-13-2, face off against the struggling San Jose Sharks, whose record currently reads 9-19-3. As NHL free picks enthusiasts turn their attention to this game on Thursday, December 21, 2023, the Coyotes look to capitalize on their relatively stronger season performance against the Sharks, who are eager to turn their fortunes around.
Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks 12/21/23
When: Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:30 PM ET
Where: SAP Center at San Jose
TV: ESP+
Stream: NHL.TV
Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks 12/21/23 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyotes | -1.5 +162 | o6 -115 | -155 |  |
| Sharks | +1.5 -182 | u6 -101 | +138 | |
| ||||
Who else secured their tickets on the wagon after last night? 😏 pic.twitter.com/QL7Jf1R9LT
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) December 21, 2023
Goaltender Connor Ingram vs. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
In net for Arizona is Connor Ingram, who has provided steady and reliable goaltending for the Coyotes this year. Through 19 starts he owns a respectable 12-6 record along with a 2.41 GAA and .923 save percentage. Those numbers indicate above-average performance that has kept Arizona competitive. Ingram moves well laterally and boasts the reflexes necessary to make difficult reaction saves. He also stays square to shooters and does not give up many weak goals. His fundamental play should frustrate a San Jose offense that averages just 2.54 goals per game. If Ingram delivers another strong outing, it will put Arizona in a prime position to earn two points.
On the other side, San Jose’s goaltending sports lackluster numbers across the board. Their starter owns an ugly 4.12 GAA along with a sub-.900 save rate. He has not proven capable of making critical stops when the team needs it most. Instead, he allows soft goals at the most inopportune times. His difficulties between the pipes are a microcosm of the team’s broader struggles. For San Jose to have a chance, the man in net must deliver a Herculean performance. But based on previous showings this year, it seems highly unlikely he can reach that level against Arizona’s capable offense.
Coyotes Balanced Attack Led By Veterans
The Coyotes feature a trio of talented veterans powering their attack this season. Clayton Keller, Matias Maccelli, and Nick Schmaltz have posted excellent numbers through the first 30 games of the year. Keller leads the way with 10 goals and 16 assists to go along with strong special teams contributions. Maccelli (6 goals, 16 assists) and Schmaltz (9 goals, 11 assists) have also produced at a high level. This veteran group sets the tone for Arizona and will test the struggling Sharks’ defense.
Sharks Led By Hertl But Lack Scoring Depth
For the Sharks, most of the offense runs through top center Tomas Hertl. The veteran pivot has accounted for over 25% of the team’s goals so far, lighting the lamp 11 times to go along with 15 assists. However, there isn’t much scoring coming from the rest of the roster. Only two other San Jose forwards have more than seven goals at this juncture. The lack of depth could haunt them against Arizona’s steady defensive corps
NHL Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are yet to be announced, but given the current standings and performances, the Coyotes might be the favorites. Bettors should monitor the puckline, moneyline, and total bets as they become available.
Trends
Arizona Coyotes Betting Trends
Coyotes are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Arizona Coyotes are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread
Coyotes are 8-7 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Coyotes’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 7 of Coyotes’ 15 last games at home
San Jose Sharks Betting Trends
Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
San Jose Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread
Sharks are 6-11 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Sharks’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 5 of Sharks’ 14 last games at home
Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ current forms and trends, the Arizona Coyotes seem to have an edge, especially with Ingram’s solid goaltending. The Sharks, while underperforming, could surprise, particularly if Blackwood steps up his game.
For those betting on sportsbooks online, keeping an eye on the goaltenders’ performance and the teams’ recent trends is crucial. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially the key players, could offer value.
Score Prediction: Coyotes 4, Sharks 2.
