Blackhawks vs Sharks: Preview, Odds, and Predictions for October 31 NHL Matchup

The Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks are set to face off on Thursday, October 31, at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, with the puck drop scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. This matchup pits two teams that are currently struggling in the standings against each other.

The Chicago Blackhawks, with a record of 3-6-1, are favored in the game, according to the latest NHL odds. Chicago is listed as a -140 favorite on the moneyline, while the Sharks, who have a 2-7-2 record, are at +115.

One of the key players to watch in this game is Chicago forward Craig Smith. Smith has been on a hot streak, scoring three goals in the past five games, all of which came at 5-on-5. He is also part of the second power-play unit for the Blackhawks, which could exploit the Sharks’ weak penalty-kill percentage. Betting analysts are highlighting Smith as a promising pick to score anytime at +500.

The San Jose Sharks have been struggling defensively, allowing three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has had a tough start to the season, with a 1-3-2 record through six starts, a save percentage of .888, and a goals-against average of 3.89. These statistics suggest that the Blackhawks may have an advantage in terms of scoring opportunities.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and can also be watched on Chicago SportsNet and NBCS-California. Fans can also stream the game live through various sports streaming services.

Predictions and betting trends suggest that the Blackhawks are likely to win this game, given their superior expected goal differential per 60 minutes and the Sharks’ recent defensive woes. A same-game parlay involving Craig Smith and Lukas Reichel, who has assisted on all of Smith’s goals this season, is also being recommended by analysts.