Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Surging Oilers out to exploit Sharks’ late-game breakdowns

The Edmonton Oilers, riding a wave of success, are primed to host the struggling San Jose Sharks on Saturday afternoon. While the Oilers aim to extend their hot streak, the Sharks hope to overcome their pattern of late-game collapses. This clash features two teams on divergent paths, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.

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Oilers: A Team on Fire

The Edmonton Oilers have solidified their position as one of the NHL’s most formidable teams, winning six of their past seven games and nine of their last 11. Their recent schedule has seen them outclass some of the league’s top contenders, including the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights.

On Thursday, the Oilers showcased their resilience by rallying late to force overtime and defeat the Bruins 3-2 on the road. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who scored the game-winner, reflected the team’s growing confidence:
“We’re up there with those good teams. That’s what you’ve got to take from this. We can compete with any team in the league.”

Stars Leading the Way

• Connor McDavid continues to shine as the league’s premier player, tying the Bruins game with just over two minutes left in regulation.
• Leon Draisaitl, who assisted on all three goals in the win over Boston, reached 900 career NHL points in just 751 games—a milestone achieved faster by only three active players.
• Zach Hyman, with his consistent scoring, added another crucial goal against Boston.

As Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins noted:
“It’s incredible to see what Leon has accomplished at his age. It’s a testament to his hard work and skill.”

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Sharks: Struggling to Close the Deal

In stark contrast, the San Jose Sharks are grappling with a persistent issue—failing to hold on to late-game leads. Their recent three-game homestand ended in frustration, with all three games slipping away despite leading in the third period.

• Loss to Utah Hockey Club: Gave up a 3-2 lead to lose 4-3.
• Loss to Winnipeg Jets: Surrendered another 3-2 lead in a 4-3 defeat.
• Loss to Colorado Avalanche: Let a 2-1 lead slip in a 4-2 setback.

A Frustrated Bench

First-year coach Ryan Warsofsky didn’t mince words about his team’s struggles:
“It’s frustrating. We should be getting points, and we should be winning some of these games. We’re learning how to win, but it’s a tough process.”

Bright Spots for the Sharks

Amid the challenges, rookie forward Macklin Celebrini has been a beacon of hope. Before being held off the scoresheet against Colorado, Celebrini was on a four-game point streak, tallying three goals and four assists. Additionally, the Sharks saw secondary scoring contributions from:

• William Eklund, who broke a six-game goal drought.
• Carl Grundstrom, who notched his first goal of the season.

Coach Warsofsky praised the team’s work ethic despite the results:
“Our effort and competitiveness are there. It’s frustrating for fans, and trust me, we’re just as frustrated, but we’re committed to building something great.”

Key Matchup: Oilers’ Momentum vs. Sharks’ Struggles

The Oilers enter this game with momentum, star power, and a clear ability to rally late in games, as demonstrated against Boston. Their balanced approach, with scoring threats across multiple lines, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team.

Meanwhile, the Sharks must address their inability to maintain leads. Improved structure and strong performances from young talents like Celebrini and Eklund offer glimpses of hope, but the team needs immediate results to restore confidence.

Prediction and Expectations

Given their current form, the Oilers are poised to exploit the Sharks’ vulnerabilities, particularly in the third period. For San Jose, this game presents an opportunity to prove they can overcome adversity and compete against one of the league’s elite teams. However, the Oilers’ combination of firepower and resilience will likely prove too much for the Sharks to handle.

Conclusion

Saturday’s matchup offers a snapshot of two teams at different stages: the surging Oilers, brimming with confidence and championship aspirations, and the Sharks, a rebuilding team searching for answers. While the Oilers aim to continue their dominant run, the Sharks must dig deep to avoid another late-game collapse.

Fans can expect a high-energy game as Edmonton looks to maintain their winning momentum and San Jose fights to turn their season around.