[Oct 21, 2026 (Wed)] NHL Analysis Sharks @ Canadiens Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Sharks @ Canadiens (Oct 21, 2026 (Wed)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Sharks @ Canadiens

Sharks projected starting goalie: Alex Nedeljkovic @ Canadiens projected starting goalie: Jacob Fowler

The Canadiens have the better team numbers, but the Sharks have the hotter goalie.

Combining last season with this one, 5v5 xG% is 46.7 for the Sharks and 49.8 for the Canadiens, a 3.2-point gap. Early in the season, this year's numbers alone stretch it to 43.3 (9 games) against 53.0 (8 games). San Jose is 4-4-1 with a 23-32 goal difference. Montreal is 4-3-1 at 27-30.

Nedeljkovic has a .901 SV% and +1.7 GSAx in 23 road games over two seasons, and is +5.9 GSAx over his last five, though he allowed three last time. Fowler has a .905 SV% and +6.0 GSAx in 11 home games, and is +3.9 over his last five, also allowing three last time. Fowler has the home track record, Nedeljkovic the recent form.

San Jose has lost two straight and is on a back-to-back. Montreal won its last game 4-3 in overtime, but several recent wins came past regulation, so its record may be inflated.

Both goalies are projected, not confirmed. Yaroslav Askarov is at .865 and -0.9 GSAx this season, and -7.3 GSAx on the road. Jakub Dobes is at .842 and -5.9 GSAx this season, but +11.3 at home.

In summary, the underlying numbers favor Montreal. The key for San Jose is whether Nedeljkovic's form holds on a back-to-back, and for Montreal whether Fowler keeps up his home numbers.