Florida Panthers vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

After 7-goal eruption, Panthers aim to pounce on Sharks

The Florida Panthers fresh off a high-scoring victory, look to keep their winning momentum alive as they host the struggling San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

Sign Up

Panthers Riding Offensive Highs

The Panthers showcased their offensive firepower on Thursday, bouncing back from a 3-0 collapse to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 7-5. Their dynamic performance was fueled by standout efforts from Sam Reinhart, who tallied a goal and two assists, and Matthew Tkachuk, who delivered a stellar one-goal, four-assist showing.

Team captain Aleksander Barkov, Evan Rodrigues, and Carter Verhaeghe contributed with a goal and an assist each, while Gustav Forsling and Niko Mikkola rounded out the scoring. The Panthers’ power play was red-hot, converting on 4 of 5 opportunities.

Despite the win, Tkachuk acknowledged the defensive lapses:
“It’s not a recipe for success down the road, but I guess we found a way to get this one. Special teams carried us tonight,” he said.

Reinhart continues to be the team’s anchor on offense, tied for the NHL lead with 19 goals and boasting 37 points in 27 games.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Key Roster Updates for Florida

The Panthers made notable roster moves on Friday. Forward Mackie Samoskevich was recalled from the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, signaling possible adjustments to their lineup. Meanwhile, goaltender Chris Driedger was loaned to Charlotte, as veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky rejoined the team following the birth of his child.

Bobrovsky, 11-5-1 on the season, brings a steady presence in goal. In 20 career games against the Sharks, he boasts a .933 save percentage and a 2.29 goals-against average (GAA). His return could provide Florida with much-needed stability on the defensive end.

Sharks Seek Rebound After Crushing Loss

The San Jose Sharks, in the midst of a six-game road trip, enter Saturday’s game licking their wounds from an 8-1 drubbing at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The loss ended their three-game winning streak and exposed glaring deficiencies in effort and execution.

“We weren’t ready from the start. We didn’t skate, didn’t compete, didn’t do anything well,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “This was a reality check for us.”

Rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini, the NHL’s first overall pick in 2024, saw his five-game point streak come to an end in Tampa. Despite this setback, Celebrini remains a bright spot in a rebuilding season for the Sharks.

Forwards Tyler Toffoli and Mikael Granlund lead the team in goals with 10 each, while Granlund tops the points chart with 29 in 27 games.

Get Started with Sports Betting Right Away

Goaltending Matchup

Goaltending will be critical in this clash. The Sharks’ Mackenzie Blackwood, with a .907 save percentage and a 3.00 GAA, has been inconsistent but capable of strong performances. In six career appearances against the Panthers, Blackwood has posted a .913 save percentage.

Florida’s Bobrovsky, on the other hand, enters the game with confidence from both his historical success against San Jose and the team’s recent run of good form.

Panthers Hold the Edge

Saturday’s game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the Panthers and Sharks. Florida swept the series last season, winning 3-1 at home and 5-3 on the road. Given their recent offensive explosion and solid home record, the Panthers have the upper hand in this matchup.

However, Florida must address defensive inconsistencies to avoid potential pitfalls against a San Jose team eager to bounce back.

Final Thoughts

This game pits two teams at opposite ends of momentum. Florida is firing on all cylinders offensively, while San Jose looks to regroup after a demoralizing loss. If the Panthers can balance their offensive prowess with stronger defensive play, they are well-positioned to notch their fifth win in six games.

San Jose, meanwhile, must dig deep and compete with intensity from the opening puck drop if they hope to upset one of the league’s most dynamic teams.