Two of the hardest hitting top NHL clubs faceoff tonight when the Boston Bruins (39-8-2-5) host the San Jose Sharks (36-7-5-2). The conference leaders and Presidents' Trophy contenders meet for the only time in the regular season, but they could meet up in the playoffs! NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Bruins as -125 moneyline favs over the Sharks with the over/under set at 5 ½ goals. Get your Boston Bruins vs San Jose Sharks NHL Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Sharks are on a three game losing skid where their last two losses came in OT or SO. In their last five games they’ve averaged 2.40 GAG and they’ve given up 2.00 GAG. Goalie Evgeni Nabokov is 6-4 in his last ten starts with a 2.20 GAA. Their power play has scored a goal in their last seven straight games, while their penalty kill hasn’t allowed a goal in back to back games, two goals allowed in six games. They boast the third best offense to go along with the second best power play in the league. They have third best defense along with a fourth ranked penalty kill. The Sharks hold a two-point lead on defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit in the Western Conference with three games in hand on the Red Wings. The Sharks hadn't lost three straight since a five-game slide from Feb. 12-20. The Sharks are 13-5-4 on the road, 37-17 ATS and 27-25 over/under.
The Bruins can call themselves the Big Bad Bruins once again. They went on a four game win streak only to lose recently to the Flyers 3-4 OT. They’ve averaged 2.60 GAG in their last five and they’ve allowed 1.80 GAG. Goalie Tim Thomas has been great; he’s 7-3 in his last ten games with a 2.30 GAA along with three shutouts. Boston’s young players have helped the Bruins lead the league with a 2.15 goals-against average and rank second with 3.41 goals scored per game. The Bruins were recently getting healthier with the returns of young forwards Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic and defenseman Andrew Ference, but they'll be without second-liner Michael Ryder indefinitely after he had surgery Monday on a facial fracture. Ryder has 16 goals in his last 30 games. The Bruins are 19-3-2-2 at home, 37-17 ATS and 27-25 over/under.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Home team is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings.
- Sharks are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Northeast.
- Sharks are 9-1 in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest.
- Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
- Bruins are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
- Bruins are 5-1 in their last 6 Tuesday games.
- Bruins are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Pacific.
- Over is 5-1 in Sharks last 6 vs. Eastern Conference
- Over is 17-6-2 in Bruins last 25 home games.
Boston Bruins vs San Jose Sharks NHL Prediction
When: Tue, Feb 10, 2009 7:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Bruins -125
Point-Spreads.com Boston Bruins vs San Jose Sharks NHL Prediction
The Bottom Line: The Bruins are playing hockey how it supposed to be played, hard hitting with offense. Their goalie has been great and their defense rocks. Go Bruins! Get your Boston Bruins vs San Jose Sharks NHL Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
