Will Smith is enjoying a strong sophomore campaign. He has 31 points through 36 games, trailing only superstar Macklin Celebrini in points per contest among Sharks.
My Rangers vs. Sharks predictions expect Smith to further build on those totals at home against a struggling New York team.
Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Friday, January 23.
Rangers vs Sharks prediction
Rangers vs Sharks best bet: Will Smith Over 0.5 points (-140)
Will Smith has hit the scoresheet at least once in 56% of his appearances this season. He’s done his best work with the San Jose Sharks, picking up a point in 65% of his games and 10 of the past 13.
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic Smith’s home success will continue vs. the New York Rangers.
They are without star goaltender Igor Shesterkin as well as top defenseman Adam Fox. Predictably, they have bled goals as a result.
New York has conceded 49 goals over the past 10 games, slotting them dead last in the NHL with plenty of room to spare.
Isolating the seven games since Shesterkin joined Fox on the sidelines, the Rangers have conceded 39 goals. That’s an average of 5.57 per.
The Sharks possess a solid offense more than capable of exploiting teams that can’t keep the puck out, especially when goaltending is a big reason why.
They rank 4th in the NHL in shooting percentage and have averaged 3.62 goals per game against Bottom-10 teams in goals against.
Playing on the top line and No. 1 power play alongside a Hart Trophy candidate in Macklin Celebrini, Smith is primed to produce.
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Rangers vs Sharks same-game parlay
Celebrini hasn’t scored in six consecutive games, his longest drought of the season. Four of those came against playoff teams, though, and two exceptions were the back-to-back Stanley Cup winners and the Washington Capitals, who finished second in points last year.
This is a much more advantageous matchup for Celebrini. It’s also worth noting he has scored 10 goals through 13 games working on two days of rest this season.
Going the other way, Alexis Lafreniere has multiple shots in 12 of 17 games vs. Bottom-10 shot suppression teams. He also cleared 1.5 shots in seven of the past eight when playing on a line with Artemi Panarin.
Rangers vs Sharks SGP
- Will Smith Over 0.5 points
- Macklin Celebrini anytime goal
- Alexis Lafreniere Over 1.5 shots
Rangers vs Sharks odds
- Moneyline: New York -105 | San Jose -115
- Puck Line: New York +1.5 (-250) | San Jose -1.5 (+205)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)
Rangers vs Sharks trend
Will Smith has 12 points through 10 meetings with Bottom-10 teams in points allowed to forwards. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Sharks.
How to watch Rangers vs Sharks
| Location | SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, CA |
| Date | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, NBCS-California |
Rangers vs Sharks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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