Expect a goal-filled showdown as the Red Wings and Sharks face off. Get ready for a high-octane offensive battle and potential betting gold.
Sunday’s NHL slate is so stacked with marquee matchups that even the NFL might feel a little nervous. Fans are in for a full day of high-energy action, dramatic finishes, and highlight-reel moments. One of the most intriguing showdowns features two of the best betting teams in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings versus the San Jose Sharks.
This showdown brings no shortage of betting intrigue and league-wide fireworks. We’re aiming to carry over our early-season momentum and build on last year’s player prop success, fueled by hits on Mitch Marner, Mark Scheifele, Wyatt Johnston, Rasmus Dahlin, Teuvo Teravainen and Connor Hellebuyck.
All betting lines are from BetMGM Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
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Detroit Red Wings vs San Jose Sharks Best Bets:
Over 6.5 Goals (-115)
Dylan Larkin Anytime Goal (+135)
Macklin Celebrini Anytime Goal (+180)
The Sharks entered this season hoping to take a major step forward after showing flashes of promise last year. Despite their record, they were one of the league’s most entertaining teams, frequently keeping games close and competitive. This offseason, San Jose bolstered its lineup with several key additions aimed at building toward a future playoff run. The team brought in former 54-point scorer Philipp Kurashev from the Chicago Blackhawks, 2025 second-overall pick Michael Misa, and veteran defensemen John Klingberg and Dmitry Orlov.
Although the Sharks have improved to a respectable 4-6-2 start, climbing out of the last-place spot they’ve occupied in recent seasons, their defensive struggles persist. San Jose is tied with the St. Louis Blues for the league’s worst defense, allowing an average of 4.17 goals against per game. That defensive weakness could give the Red Wings a strong opportunity to cover the puck line.
Interestingly, both teams have similar betting trends. Detroit and San Jose each hold an 8-4 record against the spread (ATS) this season. Last year, the Sharks went 47-35 ATS, while the Red Wings slightly topped them at 48-34. Offensively, both clubs have found success when facing each other, with San Jose winning three of the last four matchups.
Detroit’s revamped roster has injected new energy into the team, thanks in part to standout rookies Emmitt Finnie on the top line and defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Their play has boosted the confidence of key veterans Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat, both of whom enter Sunday’s matchup on hot streaks.
The Red Wings and Sharks have combined for seven or more goals in 10 of their last 15 meetings, suggesting another high-scoring contest could be in store. Detroit will be looking to bounce back after a controversial loss in which a potential game-tying goal was disallowed for an alleged kicking motion. Expect captain Dylan Larkin to set the tone, he’s tallied 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) over his last 11 games versus San Jose, recording points in seven of the last eight.
Meanwhile, Sharks rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini continues to drive San Jose’s offense. With seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points through 12 games, Celebrini trails only Mark Scheifele, Nathan MacKinnon, and Jack Eichel in league scoring. The young star has also recorded points in both career games against Detroit (one goal, two assists) and will look to extend that streak in Sunday’s matchup.
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