Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks Game 3 Preview
Where: SAP Center at San Jose — San Jose, CA
When: Sunday, April 16, 2017, 10:00 PM ET
Line: Edmonton Oilers (+115) at San Jose Sharks (-135); total: 5.0 – view all NHL lines
TV Broadcast(s): NBCS / RSN / TVA
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Betting on the Edmonton Oilers
After collapsing in the opener, the Edmonton Oilers redeemed themselves in Friday night’s second game with a 2-0 win over San Jose, tying their first playoff series since 2006 at one victory apiece.
The Oilers’ defense imposed its will, as the Sharks were held to 16 shots on goal, which was way below than the 44 shot attempts Edmonton allowed in Game 1.
The win also marked Cam Talbot’s first-ever postseason shutout, and one that featured a pair of short-handed goals from skipper Connor McDavid and Zack Kassian—the former is on a 16-game point streak (eight goals, 19 helpers).
Talbot has saved 57 of 60 shots in the first two games, giving him a .950 save percentage. He also brings into Game 3 a 19-10-5 record with a 2.46 GAA and .916 SV% across 35 starts on the road this season.
Betting on the San Jose Sharks
The loss in Game 2 was also largely due to the San Jose Shark’s inability to capitalize on Edmonton’s bad habits, like its proneness to the penalty box.
In this playoff series thus far, the Sharks have converted just once in a total of 12 power-play opportunities, including 0-for-6 slate in Game 2. They could be easily sitting pretty right now with a 2-0 edge, if only they managed to take advantage of those freebies.
In any case, San Jose looks to regain the focus it had in the opener, and will be playing without Joe Thornton, who remains day-to-day with an injured left knee.
Brent Burns really needs to wake up for his squad after being contained in the first two games. He entered the postseason on a three-game point streak (one goal, two helpers), and led the Sharks in points (76), goals (29) and assists (47) in the regular season.
On defense, Martin Jones has been very reliable despite yielding four goals in the series, negating 51 of 55 shot attempts (.927 SV%).
Writer’s Prediction
Edmonton (+115) takes it, 4-3.
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