San Jose Sharks vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions November 27th 2024

Losing streak over, Senators hit road to face Sharks

The Ottawa Senators hit the road for a three-game California swing, starting with a matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night. Fresh off a confidence-boosting win, both teams aim to continue their recovery from recent struggles.

Senators Seek Back-to-Back Wins

The Senators snapped a frustrating five-game winless streak (0-4-1) with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday. The win provided much-needed relief for a team that had been outscored 21-11 during the skid.

Key contributors included Brady Tkachuk, who delivered a goal and an assist, and Drake Batherson, who matched his captain’s output. A standout moment came from Cole Reinhardt, scoring his first NHL goal. Senators forward Adam Gaudette rounded out the scoring.

Head coach Travis Green was pleased with the team’s performance:

“When you’ve lost a few in a row, it’s nice to get a win. We didn’t overthink the game. A good 60 minutes of hockey, and we deserved to win.”

Goaltender Linus Ullmark provided stability between the pipes. Though his season has been inconsistent (4-7-1 with a .881 save percentage), Ullmark has dominated the Sharks historically, boasting a perfect 5-0-0 record with a stellar .932 save percentage and 1.82 goals-against average.

Ottawa’s offensive leaders include Tkachuk, with a team-high 11 goals, and Tim Stutzle, who tops the charts with 16 assists and 25 points. However, injuries remain a concern. Defenseman Artem Zub (foot fracture) was placed on long-term injured reserve, prompting the team to recall Donovan Sebrango from AHL Belleville. If Sebrango suits up, it will mark his NHL debut.

Last season, Ottawa and San Jose split their series, with the Senators taking a 5-4 win at home and the Sharks responding with a 2-1 victory in California.

Sharks Rely on Youth and Resilience

The San Jose Sharks also ended a losing streak on Monday, securing an emphatic 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. It marked their first win after a three-game slide.

Rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini led the charge with two goals and an assist, becoming just the second 18-year-old in franchise history to record a three-point game. He joined franchise icon Patrick Marleau, who achieved the feat in 1998.

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his team’s resolve:

“The third period has consistently been our strongest this year. To put a couple of goals in the net when it mattered most was important for our group.”

Other notable contributors included Fabian Zetterlund, Alex Wennberg, Luke Kunin, Timothy Liljegren, and Nico Sturm, each finding the back of the net. Will Smith and William Eklund chipped in with two assists apiece, underscoring the Sharks’ growing offensive depth.

San Jose’s top scorer, Mikael Granlund, missed Monday’s game due to an upper-body injury, snapping his streak of appearing in all 23 games this season. Granlund’s absence was mitigated by strong performances from his teammates, though his return remains uncertain.

Goaltending has been a mixed bag for the Sharks. While Yaroslav Askarov secured his first win of the season before being reassigned to the AHL, primary netminder Mackenzie Blackwood (4-7-3, .907 save percentage) is expected to start against Ottawa. Blackwood has a 3-2-2 career record against the Senators but has struggled at times with a .886 save percentage in those matchups.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Key Matchup Factors

Both teams face a pivotal moment in their seasons. For Ottawa, consistency is key as they try to build momentum on the road. Meanwhile, the Sharks aim to harness their youthful energy and strong third-period tendencies to climb the standings.

Players to Watch

• Brady Tkachuk (OTT): A physical leader with a knack for clutch plays, Tkachuk will look to set the tone early.
• Macklin Celebrini (SJ): The rookie phenom is riding high after his historic three-point performance.
• Linus Ullmark (OTT): His unbeaten record against the Sharks could give Ottawa a psychological edge.
• Mackenzie Blackwood (SJ): The Sharks’ goaltender must deliver a solid performance to contain Ottawa’s skilled forwards.

Injury Updates

• Ottawa: Artem Zub (foot) remains on long-term injured reserve; Donovan Sebrango may debut.
• San Jose: Mikael Granlund (upper body) is questionable; Jack Thompson has been recalled to bolster the defense.

Game Preview and Expectations

The Senators aim to capitalize on their improved defensive structure and contributions from their young players, while the Sharks will lean on their strong third-period execution. With both teams eager to establish momentum, expect a competitive and closely fought game.

Conclusion

This matchup provides a chance for two rebuilding teams to showcase their growth. For the Senators, it’s about proving they can sustain winning hockey on the road. For the Sharks, it’s an opportunity to build on their explosive offensive outburst and energize their home crowd.

Both teams have key players to watch and a history of hard-fought contests, making Wednesday’s clash a must-see for hockey fans.