Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Chicago Blackhawks finally kick off its season at the beloved United Center. Having just wrapped up an away stretch that netted them three points, the Blackhawks are poised to find their groove at home, especially with the youthful San Jose Sharks coming to town.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks concluded their tour in Alberta with mixed results. A commanding victory over the Edmonton Oilers (5:2) proved more straightforward than defeat against the Calgary Flames (1:3), a team emerging as one of the early surprises of the season. The Blackhawks dispatched the Oilers with just 20 shots, yet they capitalised brilliantly on the power play (3/3). In contrast, 32 shots weren't enough against the Flames, despite the fact that their 23-year-old goaltender, Dustin Wolf, was only in his 20th NHL game, as opposed to facing someone like Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets (1:2 OT).
San Jose Sharks
While the Sharks' defensive improvements are evident, allowing only two goals in regulation in each of their last two outings, their scoring is as elusive as ever. Macklin Celebrini was sidelined after their opening clash with the St. Louis Blues (4:5 OT), which has made finding goals increasingly difficult. Could it be that Celebrini is already a key figure for the Sharks? What’s certain is their struggling power play in two recent games (0/6).
Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks Prediction
Cracking open the Blackhawks, who allow an average of three goals per game, could be within reach for the Sharks. However, taking out the 2:5 defeat to the Utah Hockey Club, the Chicago Blackhawks have still conceded seven goals in three games. The San Jose Sharks face an uphill battle, nonetheless. Under Luke Richardson, the Blackhawks have triumphed in regulation or overtime in their last four meetings against the Sharks. This streak looks to continue—with Connor Bedard in their ranks, and the Sharks currently without Macklin Celebrini.
