Washington Capitals vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Sharks versus the Capitals? The puck drops at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on NBCS. The game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 6.5 goals, and the Capitals are favored by -1.5 against the Sharks.

San Jose vs. Washington Key Information

• Teams: Sharks at Capitals
• Where: Capital One Arena Washington
• Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
• Betting Odds WAS -282 | SJ +232 O/U 6.5

The Sharks Can Win If…

San Jose fell to 9-13-5 after a 3-2 loss to the Canucks. 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.

The Sharks took the lead in the second period, but Vancouver tied it up later in the same period. Both teams scored in the third, but the Canucks netted the game-winner with just 26 seconds left.

San Jose managed 23 shots on goal in their 3-2 loss to Vancouver, but only converted twice. Nico Sturm opened the scoring with his second goal of the season, while Mikael Granlund added his sixth, tying the game 2-2 with 1:17 left in the third period.

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

San Jose’s defense will look to bounce back after allowing a late goal with just 26 seconds remaining in the 3rd period, leading to a 3-2 loss against the Canucks. Mackenzie Blackwood made 25 saves with a save percentage of 89.3%. Defensively, the Sharks finished with 22 blocks, 21 hits, and 6 takeaways.

• Over their last three games, the Sharks have gone 2-1 straight up. In these games, they have a 3-0 record vs the puck line and an over-under mark of 3-0.
• San Jose has put together a record of 4-6 in their last ten games (regular season). Across these games, their puck line record was just 8-2, while posting an over-under record of 7-2-1.

The Capitals Can Win If…

Washington’s 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes moved their record to 17-6-1. The Capitals held a 2-1 lead after the first period, but Carolina scored three unanswered goals to secure the win.

The total was set at 6 goals, and the combined score matched that number. Washington, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. Both of the Capitals’ goals came in the first period.

Washington’s offense was limited to just two goals on 21 shots in their 4-2 loss to Carolina. Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime added his 2nd goal. The Capitals had 15 giveaways in the game.

Both of Washington’s goals came in the first period, with Duhaime scoring at 19:49 and Ovechkin finding the net earlier at 19:16. Nic Dowd picked up his 2nd assist of the season, and Dylan Strome recorded his 13th assist on Ovechkin’s goal.

Washington’s defense gave up the first goal and then three more after taking a 2-1 lead late in the first period. The Hurricanes scored twice in the second period and added an empty-netter late in the third. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, but the Capitals’ defense recorded just 2 takeaways.

• Through their last three games, the Capitals have a record of 3-0. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 3-0.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Washington has a record of 7-3. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 8-2, in addition to an over-under mark of 7-3.

The Lean

When it comes to a moneyline bet in this game, our analysis leans towards the Capitals picking up the win. However, given the current odds of -282, I’d advise going with the puck line, as our predictions have the Capitals coming out on top by more than one goal.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Capitals to win and cover. Watch for the Capitals to win this game by multiple goals over the Sharks.

If you’re looking at the the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will stay below that threshold, and we strongly suggest placing a bet on the under.

Capitals Finding Their Groove Without Ovechkin

The Washington Capitals (13-5-2) are on the verge of matching their season-high five-game winning streak as they host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. Despite missing superstar Alex Ovechkin due to a fractured fibula, the Capitals have leaned on an improving power play and stellar contributions from Jakob Chychrun and others to maintain momentum.

In their recent 6-5 victory over the New Jersey Devils, Washington’s power play delivered three goals, highlighting their recent efficiency. The team is 8-for-18 (44.4 percent) with the man advantage over the past five games, climbing to 14th in the league after being last earlier this season.

Notable Performances:

• Jakob Chychrun: The defenseman is on a four-game point streak with three goals and four assists, emerging as a key player in Ovechkin’s absence.
• Taylor Raddysh: Scored the game-winning goal against the Devils and has been a dependable contributor.

“For the power play to get us that lead before the second intermission, they stepped up huge,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said.

While Ovechkin remains out, his recent return to skating signals progress. However, the Capitals will rely on their depth and special teams to continue their success.

Sharks Show Promise Behind Rookies Celebrini and Smith

The San Jose Sharks (6-14-1) have rebounded from a rough start to win three of their last four games. Their back-to-back victories over the Seattle Kraken, including an 8-5 win at home and a 4-2 road triumph, showcase a young team finding its rhythm.

Rookie Spotlight:

• Macklin Celebrini: The first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft was named Rookie of the Month for November, tallying seven goals and 12 points. His four-game point streak includes four goals and three assists.
• Will Smith: The fourth overall pick in 2023 has also been heating up, with goals in three straight games and points in his last four (three goals, four assists).

“(Smith) gets more and more comfortable every time he plays,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “There’s obviously some things he’ll need to continue to improve on, but I thought he looked comfortable.”

Veteran forward Mikael Granlund, who leads the Sharks with 28 points, complements the youthful energy, offering a steadying presence on the ice.

Key Matchup: Washington’s Power Play vs. San Jose’s Defense

• Washington’s Power Play Surge: The Capitals have relied heavily on their resurgent power play, scoring three times with the man advantage in their last game.
• San Jose’s Defensive Challenge: The Sharks have shown improvement recently but will need to tighten their penalty kill to keep Washington’s offense in check.

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Game Notes and Prediction

• Capitals at Home: Washington’s 6-2-1 record at Capital One Arena makes them a tough opponent for the Sharks, who are just 3-8-1 on the road.
• Rookie Impact: Celebrini and Smith will look to test the Capitals’ defense, but Washington’s experience could neutralize the Sharks’ youthful energy.

Prediction: The Capitals’ power play and depth give them an edge over the rebuilding Sharks.

Capitals 5, Sharks 3