NHL Hockey Betting: Detroit at San Jose

The Sharks take on Detroit tonight. (AP Images)

The San Jose Sharks will try to maintain their hold of the league lead tonight when they host the sputtering Detroit Red Wings, who are tied for the Western Conference’s final playoff position.

NHL hockey betting odds have the Sharks listed as -181 home favorites.

San Jose currently is atop the NHL with 81 points, while Detroit is tied with Calgary for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Red Wings, who have reached the playoffs 18 consecutive seasons, also trail Chicago by 16 points in the Central Division.

While the Sharks have been impressive, they’ve failed to deliver against the Red Wings. However, they’re 8-0-2 since a 4-1 loss to Detroit on Jan. 9, and scored four unanswered goals against Minnesota on Saturday to rally to a 5-2 victory.

The Red Wings, 2-3-4 in their last nine, will try to provide some offensive support for Jimmy Howard against Patrick Marleau and the high-scoring Sharks.

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