Sharks Struggling Through Tough Season, Blue Jackets Make Strong Playoff Push
Sharks vs Blue Jackets Game Preview and Predictions
As the San Jose Sharks prepare for their Thursday night clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Ohio, hockey fans are eager to see how these two teams will match up. The Sharks are struggling near the bottom of the Western Conference, while the Blue Jackets are making a desperate push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Let’s dive deeper into each team’s recent form, statistics, and what fans can expect when the puck drops at 7:00 PM EST.
San Jose Sharks: Battling Through a Tough Season
The San Jose Sharks arrive in Columbus fresh off a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and halted Detroit’s seven-game win streak. Young star William Eklund was instrumental in the Sharks’ offensive success, contributing a goal and two assists. Alongside him, Nico Sturm scored a short-handed goal, and contributions from Jan Rutta, Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli, and Mario Ferraro rounded out a well-balanced attack. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev made 25 saves on 28 shots, earning the win and providing stability between the pipes.
Despite the victory, the Sharks’ overall season record remains underwhelming. At 14-26-6, they occupy the 15th spot in the Western Conference, far from the playoff conversation. They’ve only won three of their last 10 games, reflecting the difficulties they’ve faced in 2024-2025. Offensively, the Sharks rank 28th in the league in goals per game, which has been a major factor in their struggles. Their shooting percentage is also low, ranking 26th in the NHL.
Defensively, San Jose has had a tough time containing opponents, ranking 28th in goals allowed per game. However, they do excel in limiting shots on goal, sitting at the top of the league in fewest shots allowed. This defensive strength might give them a chance to stymie the high-scoring Blue Jackets, but their low save percentage (17th) and power-play struggles (23rd) could be significant obstacles.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Playoff Push on the Horizon
The Columbus Blue Jackets are riding a wave of momentum, having won five consecutive games, their longest winning streak since the 2019-2020 season. Their most recent victory came on Tuesday, a hard-fought 3-2 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers. Defenseman Zach Werenski played a pivotal role, scoring two goals, including the game-tying goal with under five minutes left in regulation. In the shootout, Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko sealed the victory for Columbus. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov was solid in net, stopping 23 of 25 shots.
The Blue Jackets are currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, just a point behind the 7th-place Boston Bruins as they aim for a playoff berth. With an impressive 8-2 record in their last 10 games, Columbus is riding high as they chase down a postseason spot. Offensively, they’ve been one of the most potent teams in the league, ranking 5th in goals per game. Their shooting percentage and shots per game also rank within the top 10 of the NHL, highlighting their ability to generate scoring chances.
However, their defensive play remains a significant concern. The Blue Jackets rank dead last in goals allowed per game and have struggled mightily with their save percentage (31st). Additionally, their penalty kill sits at 27th in the NHL, which could be a critical area for the Sharks to exploit if they can get their power play clicking. While Columbus has been able to outscore their defensive shortcomings recently, the lack of defensive stability could become a problem against higher-caliber opponents in the playoff race.
Conclusion
While both teams are trending in different directions, the Sharks’ recent win over the Red Wings gives them a bit of hope. However, Columbus is on a roll, and their offensive firepower should give the Blue Jackets the upper hand in this matchup. Expect the Sharks to put up a solid fight, especially with their defensive prowess in limiting shots, but Columbus’ high-scoring offense is likely to prevail in the end.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As the Sharks and Blue Jackets battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
