St. Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions December 12th 2024

Blues Host Sharks: Two Teams, Two Paths Forward

The St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks, two Western Conference teams with contrasting trajectories, square off on Thursday night at the Enterprise Center. While the Blues look to build on their momentum under new leadership, the Sharks remain entrenched in a long-term rebuilding effort.

Blues Thriving Under New Coach Jim Montgomery

The Blues have surged to a 5-1-1 record since Jim Montgomery took over as head coach, including a 3-1-0 road trip through Western Canada. Their newfound energy and cohesion have reinvigorated a team looking for a faster retooling process.

Ready for Tonight’s Action? Our NHL hockey picks today are here to guide you.

Key to this resurgence has been forward Dylan Holloway, who has flourished under Montgomery’s system. Holloway has tallied six goals and five assists during the seven-game stretch, including the overtime game-winner in Tuesday’s 4-3 victory over Vancouver.

“He’s been a pleasant surprise,” Montgomery said of Holloway. “I think he is the best example of how lucky I am to be the head coach of the St. Louis Blues because the whole team has surprised me with their willingness to grow, their willingness to get better, their willingness to compete. It’s exciting about what we can become.”

Holloway’s partnership with rookie Zack Bolduc and veteran Oskar Sundqvist on the third forward line has been particularly productive.

“I think (Holloway) and Bolduc are really connecting well,” center Robert Thomas noted. “They’re playing confidently, they’re attacking. I thought they were our best line 5-on-5 for most of the night.”

Sharks Struggling but Showing Heart

The Sharks arrive in St. Louis on a three-game losing streak, but their recent 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes was a step in the right direction. San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his team’s effort despite the result.

“I thought we played a pretty good hockey game,” Warsofsky said. “There were a couple plays I wish we had managed a little bit better and got a little more on the attack.”

Luke Kunin, a St. Louis native, scored both of San Jose’s goals in the Carolina game. His gritty, determined style has earned him respect within the locker room.

Ready for exclusive content?

Join Now!

“He’s the heart and soul of our team really,” Warsofsky said. “He gives you everything he’s got. To get rewarded with two goals is nice.”

Season Series So Far

The Blues have already bested the Sharks twice this season, earning a 5-4 overtime win in San Jose on Oct. 10 and a 3-2 shootout victory in St. Louis on Nov. 21. In those games, Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington stood tall in goal for the Blues, while Alex Wennberg shone for the Sharks with two goals in the most recent matchup.

Sharks’ New Faces

San Jose enters this game with a slightly revamped roster after a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. The Sharks acquired winger Nikolai Kovalenko and goaltender Alexandar Georgiev in exchange for goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and forward Givani Smith. Kovalenko made his debut against Carolina, while Georgiev served as the backup goaltender.

What to Watch For

• Holloway’s Hot Streak: Can Dylan Holloway continue his torrid form and lead the Blues to another victory?
• Sharks’ Fresh Additions: How will Nikolai Kovalenko and Alexandar Georgiev contribute as San Jose navigates its rebuild?
• Special Teams Play: The Sharks will need to address their defensive lapses against a Blues team riding high on confidence.

With the Blues aiming to keep their winning ways under Montgomery and the Sharks looking to build chemistry with their retooled roster, Thursday’s game promises to offer intriguing storylines and competitive hockey.