San Jose Sharks vs Arizona Coyotes Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

New faces boost Sharks entering matchup with Utah

The San Jose Sharks are riding high on the momentum of a thrilling 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues as they gear up to host the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday. With new additions making an immediate impact and rookie stars stepping up, the Sharks are looking to secure back-to-back wins during their three-game homestand.

Sign Up

Sharks End Road Trip on a High Note

San Jose wrapped up a challenging six-game road trip with a 3-3-0 record, capping it off with a win that snapped their three-game losing streak. Rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini led the charge, scoring twice and adding an assist. Jake Walman and Tyler Toffoli also found the back of the net, showcasing the Sharks’ offensive depth.

Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, continues to impress with 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in just 20 games this season. His performance underscores his pivotal role in the Sharks’ lineup and the franchise’s future.

New Additions Make Immediate Impact

The Sharks’ lineup got a boost from goaltender Alexandar Georgiev and forward Nikolai Kovalenko, both acquired in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week. In their Sharks debuts, both players delivered standout performances:

• Georgiev: Made 17 saves, providing stability in net and helping secure the win.
• Kovalenko: Recorded three assists, showcasing his playmaking ability and skill in high-pressure moments.

Georgiev expressed optimism about his start with San Jose, saying, “I tried to enjoy it a lot and just keep battling to the end. I’m super happy for (Kovalenko). He’s such a skilled player, and it’s going to be fun playing with him again.”

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Sharks vs. Utah: Series Snapshot

Saturday marks the second of three meetings between the Sharks and Utah this season. San Jose won the first clash 5-4 in overtime on October 28, thanks to Alex Wennberg’s game-winning goal. In that matchup, Fabian Zetterlund contributed two goals, while Mikael Granlund added a goal and two assists.

Sharks Leaders to Watch

• Mikael Granlund: The team leader in points (31) and assists (21) in 30 games, Granlund continues to be a key playmaker.
• Tyler Toffoli: Leads the Sharks with 12 goals in 32 games, delivering consistent offensive production.
• Macklin Celebrini: With his impressive rookie season, Celebrini is a crucial player for the Sharks’ success.

Utah’s Formidable Lineup

Utah enters the game fresh off a 4-1 victory against the Colorado Avalanche. Dylan Guenther led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Vladislav Kolyachonok and Kevin Stenlund also scored. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka delivered a solid performance with 23 saves.

Utah coach Andre Tourigny praised the team’s disciplined defense and strong goaltending, stating, “We protected our slot really well and had great goaltending. Got the goals we needed and played solid without the puck.”

Utah’s Key Players

• Dylan Guenther: Leads Utah in goals (12) and points (28) in 29 games. He’s currently on a four-game point streak (two goals, five assists).
• Clayton Keller: The team captain has 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 29 games. While his recent three-game point streak was snapped, Keller remains a critical part of Utah’s offense.
• Karel Vejmelka: With a 2.36 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage this season, Vejmelka provides Utah with a dependable presence in net.

Goalie Showdown

The goaltender matchup promises to be a highlight:

• Alexandar Georgiev (Sharks): Holds a 9-7-0 record with a 3.36 GAA and a .873 save percentage in 19 games this season. Saturday will be his first meeting with Utah.
• Karel Vejmelka (Utah): Has a 5-7-2 record with a 2.36 GAA and a .917 save percentage. In five career games against San Jose, he boasts a solid .916 save percentage.

What’s at Stake?

The Sharks are aiming to extend their winning streak and build momentum at home, while Utah is looking to maintain their recent strong form, having won three of their last four games. With the final matchup between these teams scheduled for January 10 in Salt Lake City, Saturday’s game could set the tone for the remainder of the series.

Conclusion

With new faces making waves and established stars hitting their stride, the San Jose Sharks are poised to take on the Utah Hockey Club in what promises to be a high-stakes battle. As both teams aim to build on recent victories, fans can expect an exciting, hard-fought contest at the SAP Center.