San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions October 31st 2024

Last-Place Showdown: Sharks, Blackhawks Look to Extend Winning Streaks

The Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks may be at the bottom of their respective divisions in the Western Conference, but both teams enter Thursday’s matchup in San Jose with fresh momentum after recent wins. Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak with an impressive 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, while San Jose secured consecutive wins for the first time this season, beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 after a 5-4 overtime victory over Utah in Salt Lake City.

Sharks Seek to Sustain Momentum

For the Sharks, who started the season with nine straight losses, back-to-back wins mark a significant mental boost. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his team’s resilience following the victory over the Kings, noting their tenacity and unity during their current homestand.

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“A win’s a win. It doesn’t matter where it is,” Warsofsky said. “I’m proud of the guys … the way we showed up and worked was how it should look.”

San Jose, at the bottom of the Pacific Division, has struggled to find consistency but is seeing standout performances from key players. Defenseman Jake Walman has been particularly impactful, tallying three assists in Utah and delivering a goal and two assists in the win over Los Angeles. His offensive contributions have helped alleviate pressure on the forwards and added a new dimension to the team’s attack.

“We can all contribute,” Walman said. “The biggest thing is just getting it up to [our skilled forwards].”

Blackhawks Look to Build on Strong Win

Chicago comes into Thursday’s contest with renewed confidence after defeating Colorado. Head coach Luke Richardson expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort, underscoring that it was a “real victory” rather than just another “moral” one. The Blackhawks, tied with Nashville for last in the Central Division, are hoping this momentum will carry through the rest of their five-game road trip.

Ryan Donato was instrumental in Monday’s win, scoring two goals and helping his line stymie Colorado star Nathan MacKinnon. His linemates, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev, worked cohesively to apply defensive pressure, allowing Chicago to maintain control through much of the game. Donato emphasized the importance of finishing strong, something the Blackhawks have struggled with in recent outings.

“There’s so many times … we feel like we played pretty well, and [in] five minutes we take off, they’re back in the game,” Donato noted. “We all came in the locker room after the second [period] and said it wasn’t good enough … that’s kind of what happened.”

Key Matchup: Sharks’ Defense vs. Blackhawks’ Offense

With both teams eager to build on recent wins, the Sharks’ improved defensive play will be tested against Chicago’s forward line, particularly with Donato, Dickinson, and Mikheyev’s potential to drive scoring while providing solid defense. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ offense, energized by Walman’s presence, aims to keep the momentum going against a Chicago team that has shown vulnerability in their own zone.

Game Outlook

Though both teams sit in last place, they are finding optimism in recent successes and are eager to build winning habits. The Sharks, buoyed by their first consecutive wins, are looking to prove their resilience at home, while the Blackhawks aim to climb out of the Central Division basement with another strong showing on the road. Expect a competitive clash as both teams seek to turn their season narratives around with another victory.