THU. MARCH 12
Jensen’s pick: Will Smith, F, SJS (at BOS; 7 p.m. ET; NBCSCA, NESN, SNP, SNE)
The San Jose Sharks wing is having a breakout season with 45 points (19 goals, 26 assists) in 49 games as a fixture on the top line and first power play with Macklin Celebrini (90 points in 62 games; fifth in NHL). Smith is tied for the Sharks' most power-play goals (six) this season and ranks second behind Celebrini in goals, points and even-strength points (32; tied for second on team). Per NHL EDGE stats, Smith ranks highly among forwards in midrange shots on goal (60; 93rd percentile), midrange goals (seven; 88th percentile) and hardest shot (90.26 mph; 87th percentile). Smith had a multipoint game (one goal, one assist) and two shots on goal at the Boston Bruins on Jan. 20, 2025; Smith, who played for Boston College in the NCAA, and Celebrini, who played for Boston University, return to TD Garden again Thursday with the Sharks in the thick of the Western Conference wild-card race.
Jensen's March 11 pick, Tim Stutzle (OTT), did not score; current streak: 0
Jensen's longest streak of season: 3
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Meaney's pick: Leo Carlsson, F, ANA (at TOR; 7 p.m. ET; TSN4, KCOP-13, Victory+)
The Anaheim Ducks center has a career-high 21 goals, 31 assists, 52 points, 14 power-play points and 131 shots on goal in 52 games this season. Carlsson, who is averaging a career-high 19:16 in his third NHL season (compared to 16:14 last season), has shown great chemistry on the first line and first power play with Cutter Gauthier (17 points in past 16 games) and Chris Kreider (14 points in past 14 games). Carlsson has eight points (three goals, five assists) in eight games since returning from injury and has had at least two SOG in each game and at least three SOG in five of those games. Per NHL EDGE stats, Carlsson ranks among the forward leaders in midrange goals (nine; 95th percentile), high-danger goals (12; 88th percentile), midrange SOG (56; 91st percentile) and long-range SOG (15; 88th percentile). The Toronto Maple Leafs are winless since the Olympic break (0-6-2) and have allowed the second-most goals per game (4.13) and the most shots on goal per game (34.4) over that span.
Meaney's March 11 pick, Nick Suzuki (MTL), did not score; current streak: 0
Meaney's longest streak of season: 2
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Perlowitz's pick: Kirill Kaprizov, F, MIN (vs. PHI; 8 p.m. ET; FDSNWIX, FDSNNO, NBCSP)
The Minnesota Wild wing has goals in back-to-back games and is tied for second in the entire NHL in both goals (37) and power-play goals (16). Kaprizov, who became the Wild's all-time goals leader (222) earlier this month, has goals in each of his past five home game and in five of his seven games since the NHL returned from the Olympic break. The 28-year-old plays on the first line with Mats Zuccarello and Ryan Hartman, as well as one of the top power-play units in the NHL with Zuccarello, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek and Quinn Hughes; the Wild rank among the League leaders in power-play goals (54; third) and power-play percentage (25.2; fourth). Per NHL EDGE stats, Kaprizov is second among forwards in total skating distance (237.46 miles) behind Connor McDavid (262.71 miles) and ranks among the leaders at his position in high-danger shots on goal (67; 96th percentile), midrange shots on goal (65; 95th percentile), long-range shots on goal (28; 98th percentile), high-danger goals (14; 94th percentile) and midrange goals (11; 96th percentile). Since Jan. 1, the Flyers have the second-worst team save percentage (.864) in the NHL.
Perlowitz's March 11 pick, Tom Wilson (WSH), did not score; current streak: 0
Perlowitz's longest streak of season: 4
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