Boston Bruins vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions January 20th 2025

Boston Bruins vs San Jose Sharks January 20th 2025

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Sharks versus the Bruins? The puck drops at 1:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on NBCS. The game will be played at TD Garden in Boston, MA. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 6 goals, and the Bruins are favored by -1.5 vs. the Sharks.

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

San Jose vs. Boston Key Information

San Jose’s 3-2 loss to the Canucks dropped their record to 14-28-6. The Sharks were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 5 fell short of that mark.

San Jose took the lead in the second period with a goal from Nico Sturm, but the Canucks responded with three unanswered goals. Mikael Granlund tied it up for the Sharks in the third period, but Vancouver scored the game-winner with just 26 seconds left.

San Jose’s offense managed just two goals in their 3-2 loss to Vancouver. Nico Sturm netted his second goal of the season, while Mikael Granlund added his sixth, scoring at the 18:43 mark of the third period to tie the game 2-2.

The Sharks fired 23 shots on goal but were held scoreless in the first period. They recorded 16 giveaways and did not convert on any power play opportunities.

Defensively, the Sharks will be looking to bounce back after allowing three goals to the Canucks, including the game-winner with just 26 seconds left in the 3rd period. Mackenzie Blackwood finished with 25 saves and an 89.3% save percentage. The Sharks’ defense also recorded 6 takeaways and 21 hits.

With a 2-0 victory over the Kraken, the Bruins improved to 22-19-6. Boston covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals was never in danger, as the combined score was only 2.

Both of the Bruins’ goals came in the first period, with Justin Brazeau scoring at 3:23 and Charlie Coyle adding another at 9:57. Boston’s defense held the Kraken scoreless, with Jeremy Swayman making 23 saves.

Boston’s offense was quiet after scoring twice in the first period. Justin Brazeau netted his 5th goal of the season, while Charlie Coyle added his 2nd, coming on a power play. The Bruins took 33 shots on goal and recorded 16 giveaways.

Charlie McAvoy picked up his 3rd assist of the year, with Brad Marchand earning his 7th and Elias Lindholm his 6th. The Bruins scored their first goal 3:23 into the game, followed by Coyle’s power-play goal at 10:03 in the first period.

Boston’s defense was key in their 2-0 victory over the Kraken, with Jeremy Swayman making 23 saves and posting a 100% save percentage. The Bruins’ defense also contributed 5 takeaways and 15 hits.

If you’re interested in a pure moneyline wager, then the Bruins is the preferred option. However, with a payout of -253, it might be worth considering this bet as a component of a larger parlay.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Sharks to cover. Even in the event of a Bruins victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Sharks should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

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Sharks’ Young Stars Return to Boston for ‘Homecoming’ Clash Against Bruins

The San Jose Sharks continue their five-game road trip with a Monday afternoon showdown against the Boston Bruins. While the Sharks remain near the bottom of the standings, this game carries special significance for several of their young stars, as they return to Boston for the first time in their NHL careers.

Sharks’ Massachusetts-Born Prospects Make Their TD Garden Debut

Four of San Jose’s promising young players—Will Smith, Collin Graf, Henry Thrun, and Macklin Celebrini—all have deep ties to Boston and Massachusetts hockey.

• Smith, Graf, and Thrun all grew up in Massachusetts and developed their games in the region.
• Celebrini spent last season at Boston University, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s best player—all at just 17 years old.

While it’s just another game in the standings, playing at TD Garden will be a special moment for these young players.

Macklin Celebrini Leading the Sharks’ Youth Movement

Celebrini has been one of the NHL’s most productive rookies, entering Sunday ranked third among rookies with 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) in 36 games.

Sharks Struggling on the Road

The Sharks (15-29-3) have lost five of their last six games, including a 4-1 defeat to the New York Islanders on Saturday. Missing key players, including leading scorer Tyler Toffoli (lower-body injury) and goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (illness), San Jose was unable to generate much offense beyond a goal from Barclay Goodrow.

Despite the losses, Smith is showing signs of growth, making a highlight-reel, spin-o-rama pass to set up a scoring chance against the Islanders.

“Trying to be better every game, and just trying to create as much offense as I can and also be reliable (defensively),” Smith said. “I think it’s the kind of player I am, that I could try to create some offense in different ways.”

San Jose head coach Ryan Warsofsky has been pushing his young team to compete harder for pucks and develop better consistency.

“He’s finding that it’s a big boy’s game and you’re going to have to be able to compete for pucks, win pucks,” Warsofsky said of Graf. “If you want to create offense, you’ve got to win some 50-50 pucks. It’s our whole team, we just don’t win enough 50-50 pucks.”

Bruins Looking to Bounce Back After Costly Loss

The Bruins (28-10-9) were riding a two-game winning streak before a disappointing 6-5 shootout loss to Ottawa on Saturday.

Boston’s Struggles to Close Out Games

Despite a third straight three-point game from David Pastrnak, the Bruins blew a late lead, allowing two extra-attacker goals in the final minutes.

“That’s obviously on us, can’t happen, especially in the games like this where this is a big game and we should be excited (because) big points are on the table,” Pastrnak said.

Key Bruins Absences

• Charlie McAvoy (injury) is expected to miss his third straight game.
• Hampus Lindholm (lower-body injury) remains out since November.
• Brad Marchand was benched in OT & shootout vs. Ottawa, a coach’s decision that raised eyebrows.

Despite the benching, interim head coach Joe Sacco expects Marchand to be ready to go on Monday.

“Knowing Marchy and the way he prepares, the way he works, he’ll be ready to go. He’s dialed in. … We’re on the same page,” Sacco said.

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Goaltending Under Pressure

With Boston’s defense missing key players, Jeremy Swayman has faced 40+ shots in three straight games. While he has played well, the Bruins cannot afford another late-game collapse against a hungry young Sharks team.

Can San Jose’s Young Stars Shine in Boston?

While the Bruins are clear favorites, San Jose’s young core will be highly motivated to play in front of family and friends at TD Garden.

• Will Boston clean up its defensive lapses and bounce back at home?
• Can Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith make an impact in their Boston debut?

With the Bruins eager to rebound and the Sharks looking to shock their hometown crowd, Monday’s matinee has plenty of storylines to watch.