Date: January 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM PT
Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Recent Performance
The San Jose Sharks (13-23-7) are looking to rebound after a 4-2 home loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. Despite a goal and assist from William Eklund, the Sharks couldn’t overcome an early deficit. They currently sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division with 32 points.
The Utah Hockey Club (17-16-7) are aiming to halt a four-game home losing streak. In their most recent outing, they suffered a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, marking their 9th loss in the past 10 games. Utah is now five points out of a playoff spot near this midway point in the season.
Team Records and Trends
Sharks:
The Sharks have struggled recently, posting a 2-8-1 record over their last 11 games. Their offense has managed 24 goals in that span, while the defense has allowed 39 goals. The power play has been a modest bright spot, converting at 20.0% over the past ten games.
Utah:
Utah’s offense has been stagnant, scoring two or fewer goals in 7 of their last 8 games. Their power play operates at 22.3% (15th in the NHL), while the penalty kill stands at 80.1% (14th). The team has a 5-8-4 record at home this season.
Key Players to Watch
Sharks:
- William Eklund: Eklund reached the 30-point mark for the second consecutive season with a goal and an assist against Vegas the other night. In the last 5 games he has collected 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists).
- Alex Wennberg: Wennberg has been sneakily good for the Sharks this season with 8 goals and 12 assists on the season. He also has 3 assists in his last 5 games for the Sharks. He will be centering the second line tonight.
Utah:
- Logan Cooley: Cooley has been a consistent offensive contributor he has 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists) in 40 games this season. He will be a key piece of this Utah rebuild.
- Barrett Hayton: Utah’s 2nd line center will need to elevate his play to end the home losing streak. Over the past 10 games he’s collected 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists).
Special Teams
- Sharks: The Sharks’ power play has shown improvement, scoring two goals in their last game. However, their penalty kill remains a concern, allowing crucial goals in recent matchups sitting at 78.1% (21st in the NHL).
- Utah: The Hockey Club’s special teams have been inconsistent, with a mid-tier power play (22.3% 15th in the NHL) and penalty kill (80.1% 14th in the NHL). Improving these areas could be key to reversing their recent fortunes.
Recent Trends
- Sharks: The Sharks have only two wins in their last eleven games, struggling to find consistency on both ends of the ice will be critical if they hope to climb out of the bottom of the standings.
- Utah: The Hockey Club has lost four consecutive home games and is 1-5-2 in their last eight, with offensive production being a significant issue they will look to be firing on all cylinders tonight.
Game Outlook
Both teams are eager to end their respective skids and gain momentum as the season progresses. San Jose will look to capitalize on Utah’s home struggles, while the Hockey Club aims to reignite their offense and secure a much-needed victory. Special teams performance and goaltending will likely play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of this matchup.
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