Get ready for a thrilling matchup that pits a struggling team against a powerhouse—tonight’s game between the San Jose Sharks and the Pittsburgh Penguins is one you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Sharks finally secure their first win of the season, or will the Penguins continue their dominance? Let’s dive in.
Who’s Facing Off?
The Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0, 6 points, 4th in the Metropolitan Division) are set to take on the San Jose Sharks (0-2-2, 2 points, 7th in the Pacific Division). This clash promises fireworks as the Penguins aim to maintain their momentum, while the Sharks desperately seek their first victory.
When and How to Watch
Catch the action at 10:00 p.m. ET, broadcast locally on SN-PIT and NBC Sports California. Streaming fans, tune in via ESPN+.
What’s Next for the Penguins?
After tonight, the Penguins head home to face the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, followed by a road trip to challenge the defending champion Florida Panthers on Thursday. It’s a tough schedule, but the Pens are up for the challenge.
Sharks’ Struggles: A Season to Forget… So Far
The Sharks’ 2025-26 season has been nothing short of disappointing. Back-to-back overtime losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, a 5-1 blowout by the Utah Carolina Hurricanes, and a recent 6-3 defeat to the Utah Mammoth have left them winless. And this is the part most people miss: Despite their veteran additions, the Sharks are tied for the worst goal differential in the NHL at minus-9, alongside the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames. Ouch.
Season Series: A Tale of Two Teams
The Penguins and Sharks will meet again in Pittsburgh on December 13th. Last season, they split their series, with the Penguins winning a thrilling five-round shootout in November and the Sharks clinching a 2-1 road victory in January. Will history repeat itself?
Meet the Sharks: A Mix of Youth and Experience
San Jose’s lineup features a blend of young stars like Macklin Celebrini—who scored his first goal of the season on Friday—and veterans like Ryan Reaves and Jeff Skinner. However, their defense has been porous, allowing an NHL-high 38 shots against per game. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to start tonight after Yaroslav Askarov gave up six goals on 34 shots in their last game. Bold question: Can the Sharks’ veteran-heavy roster turn things around, or is this season already slipping away?
Sharks’ Offseason Moves: A Double-Edged Sword
General Manager Mike Grier loaded up on veterans like Dmitry Orlov, Nick Leddy, and Philipp Kurashev to mentor the team’s young core. However, with players like Skinner, Reaves, and Klingberg set to become UFAs, Grier may look to trade them at the deadline. Controversial take: Is this a rebuild or a desperate gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Penguins’ Perspective: A Balanced Attack
The Penguins are firing on all cylinders, with Evgeni Malkin leading the charge. His seven points in five games mark the fourth-best start by a forward aged 39 or older in NHL history. Only legends like Gordie Howe, Jean Béliveau, and Joe Sakic have done better. Fun fact: The Penguins practiced in Los Angeles before heading to San Jose, with Ben Kindel, Harrison Brunicke, and Filip Hallander likely to remain in the lineup.
Projected Lineups
Sharks:
Forwards: Celebrini - Skinner - Kurashev, Eklund - Wennberg - Toffoli, Graf - Dellandrea - Smith, Goodrow - Gaudette - Reaves.
Defense: Leddy - Orlov, Ferraro - Iorio, Dickinson - Desharnais.
Goalie: Nedeljkovic.
Penguins:
Forwards: Rakell - Crosby - Rust, Mantha - Malkin - Brazeau, Novak - Kindel - Hallander, Dewar - Lizotte - Acciari.
Defense: Wotherspoon/Karlsson, Shea/Letang, Jones/Brunicke.
Goalies: Silovs, Jarry.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s game is a must-watch for hockey fans. Will the Sharks break their losing streak, or will the Penguins continue their dominance? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
