San Jose Sharks vs Ottawa Senators Prediction, Odds and NHL Picks for Today

The Sharks are in Ottawa on Thursday night to take on the Senators. San Jose is the last team in the NHL that is still looking for a regulation win this season. The Sharks are off to a 5-4-1 start, with all five victories coming via overtime or shootout. It hasn't been the smoothest brand of hockey, but San Jose has found a way to win when it matters. Macklin Celebrini is off to a roaring start, as he's already collected 14 points on five goals and nine assists through eight games. The Sharks' power play is also firing on all cylinders, ranking 8th in the NHL with a conversion rate of 24.2%. With a plethora of young talent, as well as some new veteran faces in the mix, this Sharks team has some solid potential the rest of the season.

What gives the Sharks a key advantage in Thursday's matchup against the Senators is the fact that Ottawa is on the second half of a back-to-back. The Senators defeated the Panthers 5-1 on Wednesday night in what was Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa. It was a game the Senators undoubtedly had circled on their calendars, and provided a high-intensity and emotional win. Coming off that performance, a natural comedown wouldn't be surprising to see. Furthermore, Samuel Ersson is slated to get the start between the pipes for Ottawa after Linus Ullmark started on Wednesday. Ersson owns a less-than-ideal 5.26 goals-against average and .829 save percentage in three appearances this season. San Jose's offensive attack should be able to take advantage. Back the Sharks on the road.

Sharks vs Senators prediction: Sharks ML (-105) available at time of publishing. Playable to -110.