The last time the Montreal Canadiens beat the Sharks in San Jose was all the way back in November 1999, with Montreal going 0-9-2 SU in its past 11 trips to the Capital of Silicon Valley. The Habs will look to finally collect a win at SAP Center when the two clubs renew acquaintances tonight, with sportsbooks Sportsbook the Sharks as -182 home favorites with a total of 6.5.
Canadiens vs Sharks Game Center
Standout Stats
- Canadiens star goaltender Carey Price has historically struggled against the Sharks, posting a 2-9-1 SU record against the Sharks in his career, with both wins coming at Bell Centre. On the season, Price is 28-19-5 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .917 save percentage.
- The Sharks have won the first two contests of their four-game homestand to improve to 11-3-1 SU in their past 15. San Jose trails Calgary by three points for the top spot in the Pacific Division.
- San Jose has been excellent at home this season, going 21-5-5 SU in its own barn. The Sharks are averaging 3.71 goals per game on home ice – the fourth-best mark in the NHL. Since the all-star break, San Jose is averaging 3.64 goals per game.
- The Sharks’ rink has undergone three name changes since the Canadiens last beat them in California. Montreal’s last win came courtesy of a Saku Koivu goal in overtime to give the Habs a 3-2 triumph on November 23, 1999. Nine of San Jose’s 11 wins in that span came in regulation, with one in overtime and one in a shootout.
- When the Canadiens face Western Conference competition, the UNDER has been cashing. Montreal has gone UNDER in 10 of its last 12 games against the West. It’s the same story for the Sharks when they play against the Eastern Conference, as San Jose has gone below the closing total in three of its past four matchups vs the East.
- The Sharks haven’t been covering the puckline at SAP Center of late as favorites. In San Jose’s last six as a home favorite, it’s 1-5 on the puckline. Sportsbook was dealing the Sharks’ -1.5 number at a price of +150 as of this writing.
My best bet for Sharks-Canadiens
Sharks moneyline
Due to the Canadiens’ past struggles in San Jose alone, it’s hard to back them at a place they haven’t won in nearly 20 years. Carey Price is on fire right now but has had issues with the Sharks in his career, and I expect the Sharks to come out firing in this one. It’s going to be relatively tight, but I think San Jose continues Montreal’s futility in the Golden State tonight.
