San Jose Sharks vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Struggling Devils aim to turn road trip around at Sharks

The New Jersey Devils find themselves at a pivotal moment in their season as they prepare to face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday afternoon. With three straight losses in regulation during their six-game road trip, the Devils must turn things around to stay competitive. Meanwhile, the Sharks come into this matchup with renewed confidence after snapping an eight-game losing streak.

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Devils’ Road Trip Woes

New Jersey’s longest road trip of the season has been far from ideal. The Devils opened with a 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, followed by a 3-2 defeat against the Anaheim Ducks, and capped off with a frustrating 3-0 shutout loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

For the first time this season, the Devils have dropped three consecutive games in regulation, highlighting key areas that need improvement: execution on the power play and sustaining energy throughout all three periods.

Power Play Struggles

The Devils’ power play has been a glaring issue. They went 0-for-6 against the Kings, bringing their total to 0-for-10 during their losing streak. Despite the lack of results, head coach Sheldon Keefe remains optimistic.

“I thought our power play was actually quite good [against the Kings], considering the quality of the opponent,” Keefe noted. However, he emphasized the need for finishing chances to capitalize on opportunities.

Player Contributions

Timo Meier and Jonas Siegenthaler managed to find the back of the net against Anaheim, but the team has struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure. Nico Hischier leads the Devils with 18 goals this season, followed by Jesper Bratt and Meier with 14 each. The team will need more contributions across the board to secure a win against San Jose.

Sharks Riding Momentum After Breaking Losing Streak

The San Jose Sharks, while enduring a tough season overall, enter the matchup with a spark of hope following a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The victory marked the end of an eight-game skid and showcased the Sharks’ ability to grind out a win through disciplined play and solid team effort.

Rookie Goalie Yaroslav Askarov’s Impact

Key to the Sharks’ improvement has been the play of rookie goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. Acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators, the 22-year-old has impressed with a .921 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average in six starts.

Askarov’s puck-handling skills have also stood out, drawing comparisons to veteran Mike Smith. “He makes our job easier,” said Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic. “It’s like playing with Mike Smith. You just get to an open spot, and he’ll find you.”

Leadership and Physicality

The Sharks’ leadership group played a key role in preparing the team for Thursday’s win, focusing on physicality and discipline. Tyler Toffoli, the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals, opened the scoring against Tampa Bay, while Mario Ferraro added the decisive tally.

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised the team’s effort, noting the increased physical presence, blocked shots, and penalty kills. “That’s what it takes to win in this league,” Warsofsky said.

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Matchup Outlook: Devils vs. Sharks

Saturday’s game is critical for both teams, albeit for different reasons.

• For the Devils: A win could halt their skid and rebuild confidence midway through a grueling road trip. Improved power play execution and sustained energy will be essential.
• For the Sharks: A second consecutive win would further boost morale and provide validation for recent adjustments. Askarov’s continued strong performance will be key in keeping the Devils’ offense at bay.

Keys to Victory

New Jersey Devils

1. Capitalize on the Power Play: Breaking their 0-for-10 drought on the man-advantage is non-negotiable if they hope to succeed.
2. Balanced Scoring: Players beyond Hischier, Meier, and Bratt need to step up offensively.
3. Third-Period Stamina: Avoiding lapses late in the game is crucial, especially against a Sharks team that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes.

San Jose Sharks

1. Leverage Askarov’s Prowess: Continued confidence in net from Askarov can set the tone.
2. Physical Presence: Maintaining high levels of hits, blocked shots, and penalty kills will be necessary to keep the Devils off the scoreboard.
3. Strong Leadership: Warsofsky’s leadership group must keep younger players focused and disciplined.

Conclusion

The matchup between the Devils and Sharks is a tale of two struggling teams, each with a unique opportunity. For New Jersey, it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and get back on track. For San Jose, it’s about building momentum and proving they’ve turned a corner.

With both teams eager for a win, fans can expect a hard-fought battle at SAP Center.