Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.

With the puck inside the Columbus zone, a shot attempt by Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta was blocked by Zach Werenski, who raced up the ice with the puck, carried it into the Sharks’ zone, and sent it over to Fantilli, who beat Georgiev for his 11th goal of the season at the 12:11 mark.

They didn’t get to six goals, but the Blue Jackets did move into the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference over the Boston Bruins by extending their season-high winning streak to six straight games Thursday at Nationwide Arena.

A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

Watch the Game Highlights from Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks, 01/16/2025

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take on one of the surprise teams in the league, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one,