Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions December 5th 2024

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Sharks versus the Lightning? The puck drops at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on NBCS. The game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. The over/under for this game is set at 6.5 goals, and the Lightning are favored by -1.5 vs. the Sharks in a non-conference matchup.

San Jose vs. Tampa Bay Key Information

• Teams: Sharks at Lightning
• Where: Amalie Arena Tampa
• Date: Thursday, December 5th
• Betting Odds TB -264 | SJ +217 O/U 6.5

The Sharks Can Win If…

San Jose fell to 10-13-5 after a 3-2 loss to the Canucks. The Sharks took the lead in the second period, but Vancouver responded with three unanswered goals. San Jose tied it up in the third, only for the Canucks to score the game-winner with just 26 seconds left.

The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for just 5. As underdogs on the puck line, the Sharks failed to cover. Nico Sturm and Mikael Granlund each scored for San Jose in the loss.

San Jose managed 23 shots on goal in their 3-2 loss to Vancouver. Nico Sturm netted his second goal of the season, while Mikael Granlund added his sixth, with Granlund taking three shots on goal.

Tyler Toffoli picked up his fifth assist on Granlund’s goal, and William Eklund recorded his seventh assist. The Sharks had 16 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Sharks will be looking to rebound after giving up a late goal with just 26 seconds left in the 3rd period, which resulted in a 3-2 loss to the Canucks. Mackenzie Blackwood made 25 saves and posted a save percentage of 89.3%. San Jose’s defense also contributed 6 takeaways and 21 hits.

• San Jose has put together a record of 3-0 over their past three games. In addition, their puck line record over this stretch is 3-0 while posting a 2-1 over-under mark.
• The Sharks have gone 5-5 over their last ten regular season games. Their record vs the puck line sits at 8-2 in these matchups, while posting a 7-2-1 over-under mark.

The Lightning Can Win If…

After a 7-4 loss to the Jets, the Lightning’s record now stands at 12-9-2. Tampa Bay held a 2-0 lead early, but their defense faltered, allowing seven unanswered goals. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 11 goals easily surpassed that figure. Tampa Bay, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover.

Four different Lightning players scored in the game. They led 2-0 after the first period and were tied 4-4 in the third before the Jets pulled away. The Lightning’s defense struggled, giving up two empty-net goals late in the game.

Brandon Hagel opened the scoring for Tampa Bay, netting his 7th goal of the season. Brayden Point followed with his 8th goal, which came on a power play. Mitchell Chaffee added his 4th goal, while Nikita Kucherov scored his 10th, tying the game at 4-4 in the 3rd period.

The Lightning took 30 shots on goal and recorded 8 giveaways. They scored twice in the 1st period, added a 3rd goal in the 2nd, and found the net for the 4th time in the 3rd period.

Tampa Bay’s defense struggled late, giving up four goals in the third period, including two empty-netters. The Lightning had tied the game at 4-4, but the Jets scored at 7:38 in the third, followed by two more goals. Jonas Johansson made 27 saves with an 84.4% save percentage, while the Lightning’s defense recorded 6 takeaways and 16 hits.

• Across Tampa Bay’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 1-2 and an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Lightning have gone 5-5 straight up. Against the spread, Tampa Bay went 4-6 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

When thinking about a moneyline wager in this game, our evaluation indicates that the Lightning will take down the Sharks. Nonetheless, given the current odds of -264, I’d recommend getting bet down on the puck line instead, as our predictions point to the Lightning winning by more than one goal.

For a puck line pick, we are going with the Lightning to win and cover. Look for the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Sharks.

For those assessing the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will stay below that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the under.

Celebrini Leads Sharks’ Rise

The San Jose Sharks are finding their rhythm, thanks largely to rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini, as they kick off a Florida swing starting Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a rough start to the season, the Sharks closed November with a 6-6-3 mark, showing notable improvement.

Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and November Rookie of the Month, has quickly become the centerpiece of the Sharks’ rebuild. With eight goals and seven assists in 16 games, the 18-year-old forward has made an immediate impact with his two-way play and knack for creating scoring opportunities.

“He’s not afraid to stick his nose in there,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “For an 18-year-old in the NHL, to fight for pucks and battle against bigger players shows his competitiveness.”

Celebrini’s play shone again in the Sharks’ 2-1 overtime win over the Capitals on Tuesday. His assist on William Eklund’s power-play goal in overtime sealed San Jose’s fourth win in seven games (4-2-1).

Sharks’ Growing Confidence

After a dreadful start to the season, San Jose has steadied its course. With points in five of their last seven games, the Sharks are developing a balanced attack, with contributions from Celebrini and veterans alike. Their 4-2 victory over the Kraken to open their current six-game road trip demonstrated the team’s grit and ability to compete against tougher opponents.

The Sharks’ defense and special teams, however, will need to remain sharp as they face Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense. San Jose’s penalty kill will be tested against the Lightning’s effective power play, led by Nikita Kucherov (if available).

Lightning: Fighting for Consistency

The Lightning (10-9-3) are looking to bounce back from a frustrating 5-3 home loss to the Maple Leafs. Despite a sluggish start that left them trailing 3-0, Tampa Bay mounted a late comeback with goals from Michael Eyssimont, Jake Guentzel, and Cam Atkinson in the final period before falling short.

“We gave ourselves a chance,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “But there are no moral victories in this game.”

Tampa Bay’s November struggles (5-6-2) reflect ongoing challenges in consistency and execution. The team is still without a home win against Atlantic Division rivals this season, going 0-3-0 against divisional foes.

The Lightning could benefit from reinforcements Thursday, as Nick Paul and Nikita Kucherov participated in practice Wednesday in regular jerseys. Kucherov, one of the league’s top offensive threats, missed Saturday’s game but could return to bolster the attack.

Key Matchups

Macklin Celebrini vs. Tampa Bay Defense

The Lightning will need to contain Celebrini’s creativity and physicality, especially in the offensive zone, where he thrives in winning puck battles.

San Jose’s Penalty Kill vs. Tampa Bay Power Play

Tampa Bay’s power play could tip the scales if the Sharks’ penalty kill falters. The Lightning rank among the league’s best with the man advantage.

Goaltending Duel

Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen will likely face Tampa Bay’s Jonas Johansson in a matchup that could determine the outcome. Both teams will lean on their netminders to make crucial saves.

Check Out Our NHL Conference Winner Predictions

What to Watch For

The Sharks are aiming to maintain their momentum as they continue their road trip, while the Lightning are eager to establish consistency at home. With both teams seeking vital points, Thursday’s contest promises to be a tightly contested affair.

Prediction: Sharks 3, Lightning 2 (OT)