San Jose Sharks vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions December 19th 2024

Familiar Faces in New Roles

The Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks are set to clash on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM PST at the SAP Center in San Jose. This game marks the first head-to-head meeting between goalies Alexandar Georgiev and Mackenzie Blackwood since their recent trade. Both netminders are eager to prove their worth against their former teams.

Georgiev’s Redemption Arc

Alexandar Georgiev, now a Shark, has adapted quickly to his new team. He registered 29 saves in a tough 4-3 loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. With backup goalie Vitek Vanecek unavailable due to a puck-to-the-face injury, Georgiev is poised to start again.

Blackwood’s Fresh Start

Meanwhile, Mackenzie Blackwood, now donning the Avalanche jersey, has shown flashes of brilliance in his two starts since the trade. Despite a 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, Blackwood is building momentum and looking to solidify his role in Colorado’s goaltending rotation.

Avalanche’s Key Challenges and Opportunities

Power Play Struggles

Colorado has been dominant in many areas but continues to struggle on the power play, going 1-for-18 in their last seven games. Coach Jared Bednar emphasized the need for more consistent execution to capitalize on man-advantage situations.

Rantanen Leading the Charge

Superstar forward Mikko Rantanen enters this game on a six-game point streak, with three goals and nine assists during that span. Tied for second in the NHL with 47 points, Rantanen is the key to the Avalanche’s offensive production.

Sharks Looking for Resilience

Celebrini Shines Bright

San Jose’s rookie standout Macklin Celebrini has been their most reliable player, contributing three goals and four assists in his last four games. He continues to prove why he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Recent Struggles

The Sharks are eager to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to Winnipeg, where they squandered a late lead. San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his team’s improved effort but admitted that they need to finish games stronger.

Head-to-Head Insights

Past Meetings

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since the blockbuster trade that swapped Blackwood and Georgiev. Both goaltenders have familiarity with their opponents’ tendencies, which could make this an intriguing tactical battle.

Statistical Matchup

• San Jose Sharks Home Record: 6-8-1
• Colorado Avalanche Road Record: 10-6-2

Both teams boast solid goaltending performances, but Colorado’s superior offensive firepower gives them an edge.

Who’s taking the top spot? Dive into NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions!

Game Prediction and Viewing Details

• Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
• Time: 7:30 PM PST
• Location: SAP Center, San Jose, CA

Expect a tightly contested game as Georgiev and Blackwood look to shine. Colorado’s high-powered offense led by Rantanen may ultimately prove too much for San Jose’s defense to handle.