Sharks Given +335 Odds to Advance Through First-Round Series After Winning Game 5

• The Vegas Golden Knights lead the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in their first round playoff series
• Martin Jones rebounded in Game 5 but still owns the worst goals against average of any goalie in this years playoffs
• The Sharks were 25-11-5 at home this season and would play Game 7 at the SAP Center if the series goes that far
  

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Can the Sharks continue the comeback and erase a 3-1 deficit against the Golden Knights in their first round playoff series?

Heading into Game 5 the Sharks were listed as extreme longshots, but that has changed with their convincing win. Taking a look at the newest odds, San Jose would still have to be considered unlikely to advance, but there is value to be had in taking them as an underdog.

Golden Knights vs Sharks Series Price

Odds taken April 19.

All that is required from the Sharks to advance now are back-to-back wins with one of the games on home ice, where they were dominant during the regular season.

The fact you’re able to bet them at +335 shows clear value, but here’s the case for why it’s not only a smart bet, but also a more than likely possibility.

#SJSHARKS WIN GAME 5!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZM1MR09GCl

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 19, 2019

Martin Jones Has Returned to Form

Heading into Game 5, no goalie had been worse in the playoffs and it wasn’t even close.

Even after the 5-2 victory, Jones ranks last with a 4.37 GAA and third-last with an .866 save percentage. The reality, though, is he looked much more like the dominant goaltender we’ve come to know in Game 5 and that is very promising for the Sharks.

Let's take a moment to appreciate this ridiculous save by Martin Jones again. ? #PlayoffMode pic.twitter.com/Jlqt9DcN9a

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 19, 2019

Martin Jones was 36-19-5 this year and has proven more than capable of stringing wins together, especially with a loaded roster in front of him.

He was particularly good on home ice, where Game 7 would be played should this series get that far. He posted a 22-8-4 record there.

To me, this bet boils down to if the Sharks can win Game 6 on the road, because if they can get it back to the SAP Center for a do-or-die finale, Martin Jones on home ice gives them a clear edge.

Offense From the Defense Could Be the Key

While both teams feature a crazy amount of depth up front, the Sharks edge comes from their defense.

Sporting Brent Burns, Erik Karlsson and Marc-Edouard Vlasic gives them a trio of defenders that combine to both put up offensive numbers but also insulate Martin Jones when it’s needed.

Hey San Jose…

WE ARE BETTER THAN YOU!

AT EVERYTHING.

Offense
Defense
Goaltending
Hitting
Fighting

Golf season coming soon Sharks ? #Vegasborn

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) April 17, 2019

While Golden Knights fans may believe they have a clear edge, the reality is they do not. There’s a reason the Sharks finished the regular season with eight more points, which is no small amount.

If they can get strong contribution from their backend on the road in Game 6, expect a very winnable game at home in Game 7. The fact you can get them at +335 to finish off the comeback makes it a bet worth taking a strong look at.

PICK: SAN JOSE SHARKS (+335)