Stephen Nover's NHL Game of the Week
(NHL) San Jose vs. Chicago, 02/23/2018 3:30 PM, Score: 1 - 3
Money Line: 116.00 San Jose (Away)
Result: Loss
I strongly disagree with the oddsmaker opening the Blackhawks a favorite against the Sharks.

Yes, San Jose looked terrible in a 7-1 road loss last night against Nashville. The Sharks had won three straight previous to that and the Predators can make any team look bad in Nashville.

The Blackhawks have lost nine of their last 11. They managed to beat the equally horrid Senators, 3-2, in a shootout at home two nights ago. Chicago isn't turning a corner. The Blackhawks are stuck in the reality that they are going to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

The Sharks should be on the attack with Tomas Hertl back in the lineup. San Jose has a strong track record when playing bad teams going 40-19 versus sub .500 opponents. Chicago is 10-26 the past 36 times it has played a foe with a winning mark.

San Jose holds a huge goalie edge, too, with starter Martin Jones returning to goal after backup Aaron Dell gave up seven goals to the Predators. The Blackhawks' goalie choices are backups Anton Forsberg, or Jean-Francois Berube.