Lucas Raymond hasn't hit the scoresheet in three straight games, and I like him to right the ship Saturday night.
The Detroit Red Wings are rightfully favored over a struggling San Jose defense. My Sharks vs. Red Wings prediction sees Raymond taking advantage of the matchup and playing a key role for the home team.
Let's dive deeper into my NHL picks for Saturday, Oct. 17.
Sharks vs Red Wings prediction: Detroit Red Wings
I like the Detroit Red Wings to 60%.
The San Jose Sharks are off to a respectable 4-3 start, but plenty of concerns lie beneath the surface.
They haven’t won any of their seven games in regulation, and their underlying numbers remain alarmingly bad.
San Jose sits 30th in score-adjusted expected goal share, sitting in the basement with teams like Vancouver, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
Detroit ranks 16th in that regard, just below Minnesota and Washington. They should spend plenty of time on the front foot and grind out a win at home.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Sharks vs Red Wings combo
I’m combining the Red Wings on the moneyline with Lucas Raymond to record a point and Moritz Seider to pick up a helper.
Raymond recorded at least one point in 10 of 12 games when heavily favored last season, averaging 1.3 points in those contests.
He often shares the ice with Seider at 5-on-5, and the two are closely linked as key facilitators when Detroit has the man advantage.
That’s key in this matchup, as San Jose sits 30th in xGA on the penalty kill.
Sharks vs Red Wings combo
- Detroit Red Wings moneyline
- Lucas Raymond Over 0.5 points
- Moritz Seider Over 0.5 assists
TOP PICK
Sharks vs Red Wings player prop: Lucas Raymond Over 0.5 points
I’m backing Raymond for a point to 65%.
Raymond hit the scoresheet in 69% of his home games a season ago and has four points in six games in Detroit this year.
The spot is elite for him. The Sharks continue to get caved in at 5-on-5 despite offseason renovations, ranking 30th in expected goal share.
The Sharks are also bleeding opportunities on the penalty kill. Only the Canucks – legitimate contenders to finish last in the NHL – have allowed expected goals at a higher clip while down a man.
Skating on the top line and on the No. 1 power play, Raymond will have every chance to take advantage.
COVERS INTEL: Lucas Raymond leads Red Wings forwards in on-ice shot attempts (153) and scoring chances (79), meaning Detroit is generating plenty of looks when he's out there.
Sharks vs Red Wings goal scorer: Lucas Raymond
Raymond has attempted 42 shots and generated 2.1 expected goals but still hasn't scored yet this season.
He is one of just three forwards with 40+ shot attempts who haven’t found the back of the net and is tied for 10th in most xG created without a goal.
Raymond is a career 14.2% shooter, so there’s no reason to expect his poor finishing to continue.
Opportunities should be plentiful against the Sharks, who are bleeding quality looks in all game states.
- Top picks: 8-6, +1.32 units
- Combos: 2-12, -4.0 units
Sharks vs Red Wings odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Sharks 42% | Red Wings 58%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (53%) | Under 6.5 (48%)
- Spread: Sharks +1.5 (64%) | Red Wings -1.5 (37%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Sharks vs Red Wings trend
Detroit has hit the Game Total Over in eight of their last 10 at home. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Sharks vs Red Wings
| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Mich. |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN+, ESPN+ |
Sharks vs Red Wings latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
