[Oct 16, 2026 (Fri)] NHL Analysis Sharks @ Predators Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Sharks @ Predators (Oct 16, 2026 (Fri)).

*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 @ Predators

Sharks projected starting goalie: Yaroslav Askarov @ Predators projected starting goalie: Juuse Saros

Both teams are on two-game losing streaks, and this one may come down to which goalie's rough numbers hold up.

Blending last season with this one, 5v5 xG% is 46.4 for the Sharks and 47.6 for the Predators. Using this season only, it is 36.7 against 43.9. San Jose is 3-3 with goals 16-23 (5v5: 8-18). Nashville is 2-2-2 with goals 16-19 (5v5: 7-12). The Sharks' PK is 100.0%, the Predators' 90.9%.

Both goalies are projected, not confirmed. Askarov has an .873 SV% and -8.9 GSAx in 25 road games over two seasons, with an 8-15-1 record. This season he is at .848 and -2.5 GSAx, and he allowed five last time out. Saros has a .894 SV% and -7.7 GSAx in 33 home games, 15-14-3. This season he is at .897 and -1.3 GSAx, and he also allowed five last time.

San Jose lost to Boston 3-6 and Edmonton 1-3. Nashville lost to Vegas 2-5 and Ottawa 2-3 in a shootout.

If the goalies change, Alex Nedeljkovic has one start this season (.923, +1.1 GSAx), and Matt Murray has one for Nashville (.900, +0.6 GSAx). Both samples are a single game.

In summary, the 5v5 xG% edge leans toward Nashville this season. Askarov's road GSAx and Saros's five-goal outing are the key points, so the goalie confirmations matter.