Having started with a record of 0–3–2 in their first five games of the 2025–26 NHL season, the San Jose Sharks currently have not only on-ice struggles but also off-ice issues. The franchise has also been in the headlines with problems related to poorly handled Hispanic Heritage Night scoreboard messages, which disrespected the group being honored.
If you’re looking to bet on hockey online, this latest controversy isn’t just a PR story — it could influence public sentiment, team focus and even betting lines. In the sections below you’ll get:
- An overview for the team that focuses on the PR impact of world messages overall.
- A brief overview comparing the team’s on-ice performance and it’s implications for bettors.
- Discussion on fundamental impacts which include potential for and impacts of movement of lines, props, and hockey betting parlays.
- Broad overview of estimates on this team and its odds and value.
Fallout & Performance Pressure – Cultural Crisis Meets Losing
What happened in San Jose may be an embarrassment on the scoreboard, but it’s much more than that. On October 19, during the Sharks’ “Los Tiburones Night” dedication to Hispanic heritage, the message “SJ SHARKS FANS LOVE ICE!! GET’EM BOYZ!” appeared on the videoboard, interpreted by many to mean that the Sharks’ fans love ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency).
As if the situation couldn’t be more problematic, the Sharks have been performing poorly this season. Out of five games the team has scored only 13 goals and allowed 25, while maintaining an 0-3-2.
In such cases where a team has an off-ice distraction of this nature and poor performance during the first half of the season, gambling lines tend to factor in disproportionate negativity bias. The situation begs the question of whether the market is reacting to the situation or if there’s a balanced position to be used contrarily. Those looking to bet on hockey online may be interested in such cases for the Sharks.
Where San Jose Stands
In the NHL landscape, the Sharks, with no wins, three losses in regulation, and two losses in overtime or shootouts, rank last in the Pacific Division. They have a -12 goal differential after just a few games. Now, compare them to the rest of their division. The Vancouver Canucks and the Utah Mammoth have the same record of 4 wins and 2 losses, and the disparity is striking.
Last season, the Sharks finished with an abysmal record of 20-50-12 and a goal differential of -102. The visible trend is therefore just a repeat of the same – the market recognizes this too. Hence, the starts of the season shows the Sharks being listed at a poor value, unless market conditions change.
This is especially relevant to the Sharks as people start to build hockey betting parlays or prop bets. For anyone looking to add a Sharks game to their NHL betting picks, keep in mind that the odds will most likely not favor the Sharks, even slightly. It is worth the risk to bet reverse owing to the goal differential in comparison to the average odds being offered.
What to Do as a Bettor
So how do you turn this into an actionable strategy? Consider the following:
- Don’t bet on the Sharks unless the odds really favor you: Given their early form and the distraction from the scoreboard controversy, they are more of a fade target than a sleeper.
- Search for value on the Sharks’ opponent plays: If they are matched up against a mid-tier or struggling team, you could find the moneyline, puck line, or over/under bets relatively low risk and weighted in favor of the opponent.
- Watch for the overreaction: If the media and fan sentiment are growing overwhelmingly against the Sharks, you could see an increase in bets on the Sharks. It would be a good time to bet the opposite.
- Watch props and futures for value: Season-long team props like “Sharks to make the playoffs” will be heavily priced, leaving little value; value will be on other teams gaining early momentum.
- Be careful in parlay construction: If you include a Sharks game in a multi-leg hockey betting parlay, make sure the other legs are strong enough to offset the risk.
- Watch the other side of the puck-line closely: If the line opens favorably for the Sharks (e.g. +1.5 puck-line at home) and you think the distraction will fade soon, a small speculative play could be worth it; just be sure to size it accordingly.
What’s Next & When Value Might Arise
There are necessary changes if the Sharks are going to turnaround on performance which are probably worthwhile for bettors too: goaltending improvements, better understanding of self-discipline as they have been early game penalty takers, and the organisational distraction mitigation. The distraction of the cultural misstep distraction entails the possibility of further performance erosion as well as market perception.
In terms of expectations: the moment San Jose gets a couple of wins and displays improvements on their defensive plays, their odds are likely to improve making contrarian bets. The opposite is true for the now sinking off-ice issue and resultant unbroken losing streak. This is the likely scenario as underdog odds are placed on the opposing side with the overs on alternate markets which include game scoring and team totals.
Assess team reactions, coaching communication efficacy, and discern betting market changes. With the right data a betting opportunity can be derived which likely has already been captured by the market.
Expert Insights & Tips
Watch the Distraction Factor: Distraction problems cause teams to lose their focus, getting them to perform poorly. While controversy surrounds the Sharks, bet against them at your leisure.
Hedge Smart with Puck Lines: Backing the Sharks will cause a complete loss, so go the other way with the opponent -1.5 spreads, or game-total overs since their defense is leaking goals.
Go Contrarian When the Public Fades Them: When the public bets against the Sharks, their odds tend to rise exponentially. Betting on them at this point is a smart bet.
Adjust Props and Futures Early: Due to their controversy and poor start, long-term markets suffer, so looks like the futures.
Track Defense and Goalie Trends: Betting on the overs and opponent moneylines is safe bets in the over in Sharks matchups gives yields good return on investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Hockey Betting Futures?
A: Hockey betting futures are wagers placed on season-long outcomes rather than single games — e.g., Stanley Cup winners, division titles, playoff spots. They often pay higher odds early and require patience.
Q: How does a team’s off-ice controversy impact betting lines?
A: Where money goes can influenced by public sentiment and media coverage. If a team is viewed negatively, the odds may widen against them sooner. Bookmakers will always adjust for public behaviour.
Q: Should I include the Sharks in a parlay right now?
A: Generally no, unless the odds value is too good to pass. Their start (0-3-2) and recent controversies make them a highly risky leg in parlays, which can destroy the returns.
Q: What types of bets are safer when a team is in crisis?
A: Bets on the opponent, or using lines like puck-line favouring opponent, or over/under where the team is likely conceding many goals. Avoid long-shots on the team in crisis.
Q: When should I consider an under/over total in a Sharks game?
A: If the Sharks are playing an offensively strong team and their defense is porous, look for overs favoring opponent’s goal production. Also watch for shamrock line moves.
Q: How early should I check betting odds for value?
A: As early as the morning of the game. Monitor injury reports, lineup changes, and any extra news (like the controversy). If new information comes in, the markets will shift rapidly.
Q: Can a team’s cultural misstep lead to a rebound in performance?
A: Yes. It’s possible the team responds with urgency and improves performance. In that case odds may tighten quickly and early spot value may evaporate.
Q: How should I size bets given heightened risk?
A: In this case it is prudent to reduce your bet size. If your usual bet is 1–2% of your bankroll take the risk down to 0.5–1% for a team that has major distractions or a weak start.
Final Takeaway & Action
Here’s what you should walk away with:
- The Sharks’ off-ice misstep and early 0-3-2 record create a potent mix of distraction and poor performance that impacts betting markets.
- For anyone looking to bet on hockey online, this means caution with the Sharks — they’re more of a fade team than a value pick at the moment.
- Better opportunities may lie in their opponents, or in props and totals that lean away from San Jose’s weaknesses.
- Keep an eye on sentiment, lineup changes, and performance improvements. If the team turns around quickly, value could flip before the market catches up.
If you’re ready to dive into odds and futures for the NHL, head to BetNow and check the latest lines before they adjust.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: October 21, 2025
Last updated: October 21, 2025