San Jose Sharks Aim for Playoff Berth in Crucial Match Against Nashville Predators The San Jose Sharks are set to face a pivotal test in their pursuit of a playoff berth as they prepare to take on the Nashville Predators in a high-stakes matchup. With the Western Conference wild card spot hanging in the balance, the game carries immense weight for the Sharks, who have been locked in a tight race with the Predators and Los Angeles Kings for the final playoff position. All three teams currently share 79 points in the standings, but the tie-breaker rules will determine the outcome. The Sharks, however, hold a slight edge in the second tie-breaker: regulation wins. Nashville leads with 25, while San Jose has 24, and Los Angeles trails with 19. A victory in regulation would significantly bolster the Sharks’ chances of securing the final playoff spot. The game’s importance is underscored by the Sharks’ recent struggles against the Predators. San Jose has lost 14 consecutive games to Nashville, including a 6-3 setback at Bridgestone Arena on March 24. Despite this history, the Sharks have shown resilience in recent weeks, winning five straight games and climbing back into the playoff race. Alternate captain Tyler Toffoli highlighted the team’s progress, noting that the Sharks have been playing with greater focus and fewer mental errors compared to earlier in the season. “We’ve been playing really well as a team and not making the mental errors that I feel like we’ve made sometimes throughout the season,” Toffoli said. This mindset shift has allowed the Sharks to remain competitive in a grueling playoff chase. The Sharks’ path to the postseason is further complicated by the tie-breaker rules.#nashville_predators #san_jose_sharks #ozzy_wiesblatt #tyler_toffoli #barclay_goodrow
Nashville Predators Face San Jose Sharks in Crucial Wild Card Battle The Nashville Predators are set to take on the San Jose Sharks in a pivotal matchup at SAP Center on April 4, with both teams locked in a tight race for a Western Conference Wild Card spot. The game, scheduled for 9 p.m. CT, marks the second of three meetings between the teams in the final stretch of the regular season. The Predators, who recently defeated the Los Angeles Kings in a shootout, now hold a critical advantage in the standings, as the outcome could determine their playoff fate. The Predators entered the game with 79 points, matching the Sharks and the Kings, who also sit at 79 points. A win against San Jose would propel Nashville ahead of the Sharks in the standings, a move that could solidify their position in the playoff picture. With just seven games remaining on their schedule, every point is vital for the Preds, who are determined to secure a spot in the postseason. Following their shootout victory over the Kings, Preds winger Luke Evangelista emphasized the importance of the upcoming games. “We're facing a bunch of big games this trip— all teams we're battling against, competing against for this playoff spot,” he said. “To get started with the win there, that's huge for us. But we’ve got to keep building these. These are huge games for us, so the job is not done yet.” Head Coach Andrew Brunette echoed the team’s resolve, noting the growth and unity within the squad. “We've been through a lot as a group, and we're just happy to be here, and we're enjoying the moment,” he said. “We're growing as a team. I think this team is an extremely tight group because of everything they went through, and we're just enjoying the moment. We’re enjoying playing meaningful games this time of year.#nashville_predators #san_jose_sharks #filip_forsberg #sap_center #luke_evangelista
St. Louis Blues Adjust Lineup for Sharks Matchup St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is out for Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks due to an upper-body injury sustained during a previous game. Coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that Thomas, who left Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals after being hit by Pierre-Luc Dubois, remains day-to-day and will not be available for the matchup. The Blues will adjust their lineup to accommodate Thomas’ absence, with Dalibor Dvorsky moving into his role and centering the top line alongside Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud. Montgomery highlighted Dvorsky’s recent improvements, calling the opportunity to play first-line minutes a “great chance” for the forward. Pius Suter will take over Dvorsky’s previous position, centering the third line with Otto Stenberg and Jonatan Berggren. Nathan Walker, who has been a healthy scratch in recent games, will join Alexey Toropchenko and Jack Finley on the fourth line. On defense, Matthew Kessel will replace Justin Holl, while Joel Hofer, who recorded a 22-save shutout in Tuesday’s game, will start in goal. Jordan Binnington will serve as the backup. The Blues’ projected lineup includes the top line of Holloway, Dvorsky, and Snuggerud, with Jake Neighbours, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jordan Kyrou forming the second line. The third line will feature Stenberg, Suter, and Berggren, while the fourth line consists of Toropchenko, Finley, and Walker. Defensemen Philip Broberg and Logan Mailloux will pair with Theo Lindstein and Colton Parayko, while Cam Fowler and Kessel will form the blue line. Montgomery praised the Sharks’ team structure, noting their emphasis on teamwork and the leadership of superstar Macklin Celebrini.#st_louis_blues #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #jim_montgomery #robert_thomas
St. Louis Blues Projected Lineup for March 26 Game Against San Jose Sharks St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed on Wednesday that Robert Thomas will miss the team’s game against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday due to an injury sustained during Tuesday’s matchup against the Washington Capitals. Thomas, who is listed as day-to-day, will not be part of the lineup for the contest at Enterprise Center. His absence will require adjustments to the team’s top line, with Dalibor Dvorsky stepping into the center role for the top unit. The lineup changes were outlined during a morning skate at the Enterprise Center, which was optional for players. Montgomery provided details on the expected formation for the game, noting that Pius Suter will take over the center position on the third line. Nathan Walker will join the fourth line as a wing, while Matthew Kessel will replace Justin Holl on the defensive side. Joel Hofer has been named the starting goaltender for the matchup. The Blues’ projected lineup includes Dylan Holloway, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Jimmy Snuggerud on the top line. Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou will form the second line with Otto Stenberg, while Pius Suter and Jonatan Berggren will pair with Alexey Toropchenko on the third line. Nathan Walker will join Jack Finley on the fourth line. Defensively, Philip Broberg and Logan Mailloux will form one pair, with Theo Lindstein and Colton Parayko on the other. Matthew Kessel will join Cam Fowler on the blue line. The game is set for a 7 p.m. start at Enterprise Center, with fans able to watch the matchup on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest or listen on 101 ESPN. The Blues’ broadcast app will also provide coverage.#st_louis_blues #san_jose_sharks #enterprise_center #jim_montgomery #robert_thomas
NHL Playoff Picture and Standings Update The NHL playoff picture is evolving rapidly as teams push for postseason spots, with key matchups and standings shaping the race for the final playoff berths. March 24 proved to be a pivotal day for several teams, as results altered the standings and set the stage for the final stretch of the regular season. In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche secured their playoff berth with 106 points, maintaining a strong position in the Central Division. The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild followed closely, with the Stars holding 97 points and the Wild at 92. The Pacific Division saw the Anaheim Ducks lead with 84 points, while the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights remained competitive. Notably, the Utah Mammoth claimed the top wild card spot in the West with 80 points, edging out the Nashville Predators, who held a five-point lead over the San Jose Sharks heading into the day. The Eastern Conference also saw significant movement. The Carolina Hurricanes dominated the Metropolitan Division with 96 points, while the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins secured second and third spots, respectively. In the Atlantic Division, the Buffalo Sabres led with 95 points, and the Tampa Bay Lightning remained a strong contender. The wild card race in the East featured the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, and New York Islanders, with the Bruins holding the top spot at 86 points. The Predators' game against the San Jose Sharks on March 24 was a critical matchup, as Nashville's two-point edge for the second wild card spot could shift with the outcome. The Sharks' loss to the Predators solidified Nashville's position, while the Sharks' slim chances for a playoff berth remain uncertain.#nashville_predators #minnesota_wild #colorado_avalanche #san_jose_sharks #dallas_stars
Sharks at Predators Projected Lineups The San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators are set to face off in a matchup that features both teams in strong positions within their respective conferences. The Sharks, with a record of 32 wins, 30 losses, and 6 overtime losses, will take on the Predators, who have a record of 33 wins, 28 losses, and 9 overtime losses. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FDSNSO and NBCSCA. Projected lineups for the Sharks include Igor Chernyshov, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith forming the top forward line. William Eklund, Alexander Wennberg, and Collin Graf will make up the second line, while Kiefer Sherwood, Michael Misa, and Pavol Regenda will form the third. Barclay Goodrow, Zack Ostapchuk, and Adam Gaudette will serve as the fourth line. Shakir Mukhamadullin and Mario Ferraro will form the fifth line, with Nick Leddy and Vincent Desharnais on the blue line. Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg will be the defense pair. Several players are listed as scratched for the game, including Philipp Kurashev and Sam Dickinson. Injured players on the Sharks roster include Ty Dellandrea (lower body), Tyler Toffoli (lower body), and Ryan Reaves (upper body). For the Predators, Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly, and Luke Evangelista will form the top line. Filip Forsberg, Matthew Wood, and Jonathan Marchessault will make up the second line, while Zachary L’Heureux, Erik Haula, and Tyson Jost will form the third. Reid Schaefer, Fedor Svechkov, and Joakim Kemell will serve as the fourth line. Brady Skjei and Roman Josi will be the defense pair, with Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix on the blue line. Adam Wilsby and Ryan Ufko will form the final pair. Scratched players for the Predators include Ozzy Wiesblatt and Justin Barron.#nashville_predators #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #will_smith #igor_chernyshov
Philadelphia Flyers vs. San Jose Sharks Game Guide for March 21 The Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks will face off on Saturday, March 21, in an NHL matchup at SAP Center in San Jose. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Sharks, with a record of 32-29-6, are ranked 11th in the Western Conference, earning 70 points, while the Flyers, at 33-23-12, hold the 11th position in the Eastern Conference with 78 points. For viewers, ESPN+ will provide live coverage of the game, offering a convenient option for fans unable to attend in person. The broadcast will be available both through traditional television and streaming platforms, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. Injury updates for key players include Yaroslav Askarov being listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, Igor Chernyshov sidelined due to a concussion, and Vincent Desharnais also expected to miss time with an upper-body issue. Ty Dellandrea is ruled out for the game with a lower-body injury, while Tyler Toffoli will miss time with a lower-body ailment. Tyson Foerster is out with an arm injury, and Luke Glendening is day-to-day with a lower-body problem. Denver Barkey is expected to miss time with an upper-body injury, and Rodrigo Abols is out due to an ankle injury. The game’s odds and betting information are provided by BetMGM, offering fans insights into potential outcomes and player performance. Additionally, the article includes links for ticketing and streaming services, which are part of partnerships with The Athletic. It’s important to note that The Athletic maintains full editorial independence, and these partners have no influence over the content or reporting process.#philadelphia_flyers #espn_plus #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #bet_mgm
Flyers and Sharks Projected Lineups for Upcoming Game The Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks are set to face off in a matchup that features both teams adjusting their rosters due to injuries and lineup changes. The Flyers, with a record of 33-23-12, will take on the Sharks, who have a 32-29-6 record, in a game scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, broadcast on NBCSP and NBCSCA. The Flyers’ projected lineup includes forwards Alex Bump, Christian Dvorak, and Travis Konecny on the first line, supported by Nikita Grebenkin, Trevor Zegras, and Owen Tippett. Carl Grundstrom, Noah Cates, and Matvei Michkov form the third line, while Garnet Hathaway and Garrett Wilson will serve as the primary wingers. Defensemen Travis Sanheim and Rasmus Ristolainen will anchor the blue line, with Cam York and Jamie Drysdale providing depth. The Flyers’ forward group will be bolstered by 11 players, matching their recent performance in a 4-3 shootout win against the Los Angeles Kings. Injuries will impact the Flyers’ roster, with key players sidelined. Sean Couturier (upper body), Luke Glendening (lower body), Denver Barkey (upper body), Tyson Foerster (arm), and Rodrigo Abols (lower body) are listed as injured. Notably, forward Sean Couturier’s absence will be a significant loss, as he has been a consistent contributor. The team will also face challenges with defensemen Luke Glendening and Denver Barkey, both of whom are expected to miss the game. The Sharks’ projected lineup includes forwards Philipp Kurashev, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith on the first line, with William Eklund, Michael Misa, and Kiefer Sherwood forming the second line. Collin Graf, Alexander Wennberg, and Adam Gaudette will round out the forward group, while Barclay Goodrow, Zack Ostapchuk, and Ryan Reaves will serve as the third line.#philadelphia_flyers #san_jose_sharks #alex_bump #christian_dvorak #travis_konecny
How to watch Sabres vs. Sharks: TV channel and streaming options for March 19 The Buffalo Sabres (42-20-6) will face the San Jose Sharks (32-28-6) in an NHL matchup on Thursday, March 19, starting at 10 p.m. ET at SAP Center at San Jose. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Sabres are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 90 points, while the Sharks are 10th in the Western Conference with 70 points. To watch the game, fans can tune in to ESPN+ for live coverage. The matchup will be highlighted by the Sabres' strong position in the conference and the Sharks' efforts to climb the standings. Odds for the game, as provided by BetMGM, indicate the Sabres are favored to win. However, the game's outcome could be influenced by the injury status of key players. Several Sabres players are listed as out or day-to-day, including Justin Danforth (lower body), Jordan Greenway (abdomen), and Jiri Kulich, who is out for the season due to an ear injury. On the Sharks' side, Ty Dellandrea is out (lower body), and Igor Chernyshov is day-to-day (concussion). The team's performance may also depend on the availability of goaltenders Yaroslav Askarov (day-to-day, lower body) and Conor Timmins (leg). These absences could impact the game's dynamics, especially given the teams' current standings and the importance of the matchup in the NHL schedule.#espn_plus #buffalo_sabres #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #bet_mgm
Buffalo Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks: Game 69 Preview The Buffalo Sabres, with a record of 42-20-6 and 70 points, face the San Jose Sharks (32-28-6, 70 points) in a crucial matchup at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM, marking the 69th game of the season. The Sharks, currently 6th in the Pacific Division, are battling for a wild card spot in the Western Conference, trailing the Kraken and Kings by a single point. The Sabres, who recently ended an 11-game road point drought with a win over Vegas, aim to extend their streak against a desperate Sharks team. The Sabres’ recent turnaround has been remarkable, particularly on the road. After struggling to secure regulation wins until December, they’ve set a franchise record with an 11-game road point streak. Their upcoming game against the Sharks, who they defeated 6-3 in Buffalo a week and a half ago, presents an opportunity to continue this momentum. The Sharks, however, are unlikely to be intimidated, as they’ve shown resilience in their pursuit of a playoff berth. San Jose’s offensive surge is led by sophomore sensation Macklin Celebrini, whose performance has exceeded expectations. Celebrini leads the team in goals, assists, and points, with a staggering 50-point lead over second-place Will Smith. His dominance is evident in the Sharks’ record: they’ve secured only one regulation win in games where Celebrini has registered a point. To neutralize his impact, head coach Lindy Ruff plans to deploy Daling and Samuelsson against Celebrini’s line, a strategy that will be critical in limiting his influence. The Sabres’ defensive strategy is also under scrutiny, particularly their bottom pair.#buffalo_sabres #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #lindy_ruff
Sabres Extend Franchise-Record Road Point Streak in San Jose Clash The Buffalo Sabres aim to continue their historic road performance as they face the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Thursday. The team has secured at least a point in 11 consecutive road games, breaking the previous record set in the 1983-84 and 2006-07 seasons. During this stretch, the Sabres have averaged an NHL-leading 4.27 goals per game while on the road. Their recent success includes a 10-0-1 record in 11 games since the Olympic break, with five of those wins coming at home. This surge has positioned the Sabres near the top of the standings, currently two points behind first-place Carolina (which won Wednesday) in the conference and four points ahead of Tampa Bay (which plays tonight) in the Atlantic Division. The team’s momentum is bolstered by strong performances from key players, including Alex Lyon, who is set to make his second consecutive road start. Lyon has won nine straight road games, just two short of the NHL record held by Evgeni Nabokov and Devan Dubnyk. The Sharks, meanwhile, have remained competitive in the Western Conference playoff race, maintaining a slim lead over Seattle for the second wild card. However, their recent struggles have included a combined 12 goals allowed in their last two losses, pushing their season goals against total to 233—the fourth-highest in the league. Despite this, San Jose remains a formidable opponent, particularly with the emergence of teenage phenom Macklin Celebrini. The 18-year-old forward, who scored in their previous matchup against the Sabres, has accumulated 158 points in two seasons, ranking sixth among teenage NHL players behind legends like Sidney Crosby, Wayne Gretzky, and Steve Yzerman.#buffalo_sabres #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #alex_lyon
Bruins notebook: Former BU star draws lofty comparison Macklin Celebrini has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the NHL, showcasing his elite talent with the San Jose Sharks. At just 18 years old, the former Boston University star has already made a significant impact, recording 33 goals and 57 assists in 62 games this season. His performance has earned him a spot on the Canadian Olympic team, where he played alongside NHL stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite the high-profile company, Celebrini has remained focused, positioning himself as a serious contender for the Hart Trophy. As the Boston Bruins prepare to face the Sharks, coach Marco Sturm has emphasized the need to monitor Celebrini closely. Sturm praised the young forward’s ability to thrive in a star-studded environment, noting that the Sharks’ decision to pair him with McDavid and MacKinnon speaks volumes about his skill. “For us, you have to keep an eye on him. I almost treat him like a McDavid already,” Sturm said. “You’ve got to know when he’s on the ice and we’ve got to do our best.” Celebrini’s composure under pressure has been a standout trait. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky highlighted his ability to stay grounded despite the attention that comes with being a top prospect. “The moment doesn’t get too big for him,” Warsofsky said. “He just plays and competes. His preparation really helps him with that. He puts everything else aside and gets ready for hockey games.” Despite his success, Celebrini remains humble and focused on his development. He recently returned to Boston for the Bruins’ Hockey East playoff game against Vermont, where he reunited with former teammates and his brother, Aiden, a Boston College defenseman. “It’s super special to see them and just be part of the game,” Celebrini said.#macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #connor_mcDavid #ryan_warsofsky #marco_sturm
Macklin Celebrini or Matthew Schaefer to start NHL franchise? The debate over which young player should lead a new NHL franchise—San Jose Sharks star center Macklin Celebrini or New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer—has sparked intense discussion among NHL coaches, scouts, and executives. Over two dozen industry insiders, none currently affiliated with the Sharks or Islanders, were asked to weigh in, with most selecting Celebrini in a closely contested poll. While the outcome was decisive, the divide among experts highlighted the difficulty of choosing between two elite prospects. Celebrini, a 19-year-old center, was chosen by 21 of the 26 respondents, with Schaefer receiving five votes. The margin, however, was narrow, with some insiders suggesting the decision could shift in the future. “After next year, I might switch to Schaefer,” one executive noted, underscoring the close nature of the debate. Coaches and scouts praised both players for their potential, but their assessments reflected differing priorities. Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, a Hockey Hall of Famer, lauded Celebrini’s offensive impact and work ethic. “He creates a lot of offense from nothing, has a great shot, and moves the puck well,” Roy said. “What’s impressive is how hard he works shift after shift.” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, meanwhile, highlighted Schaefer’s leadership and competitiveness. “He’s a competitor who wants to win and drags guys into the fight with his personality,” Warsofsky said. “He’s got real good attributes for leadership.” The consensus among experts was that Celebrini’s combination of offensive skill and intangible qualities made him the more valuable choice. Scouts and executives repeatedly emphasized his leadership, durability, and ability to elevate his team.#matthew_schaefer #new_york_islanders #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #patrick_roy
Colorado Avalanche Eye Trade for Forward Kiefer Sherwood Ahead of Playoffs The Colorado Avalanche are exploring a potential trade to strengthen their roster for the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs, with a focus on acquiring forward Kiefer Sherwood from the San Jose Sharks. According to NHL insiders, the team is closely monitoring the situation, as the Sharks may consider moving Sherwood if their playoff prospects appear uncertain. The Sharks originally acquired Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks in a deal that included AHL defenseman Cole Clayton and two second-round draft picks (2026 and 2027). Sherwood, who has shown promise as a scoring threat and physical presence, could provide the Avalanche with much-needed depth and grit. Last season, he recorded 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) while playing for the Canucks, and his ability to contribute offensively could complement the Avalanche’s existing talent. Additionally, Sherwood led the league in hits during the 2025 season, tallying 462 hits in 78 games, a stat that highlights his role as a defensive force. The Avalanche currently have $2.3 million in cap space available, which could make the trade feasible. However, the team’s general manager, Chris McFarland, may need to weigh the value of potential trade assets. According to PuckPedia, the Avalanche could offer two 2027 second-round picks and a defensive prospect to complete the deal. While this package could be enticing for the Sharks, the risk of losing draft capital for a player who might be a short-term rental—should Sherwood refuse to re-sign with the Avalanche—remains a key consideration. The Sharks’ willingness to part with Sherwood will depend on their assessment of their own playoff chances.#vancouver_canucks #colorado_avalanche #san_jose_sharks #kiefer_sherwood #chris_mcfarland
Kiefer Sherwood expressed his desire to remain with the San Jose Sharks despite ongoing discussions about his potential trade before the March 6 trade deadline. The pending unrestricted free agent emphasized his focus on the present, stating, "I’m just focused on bringing it tonight." While he acknowledged his preference to stay, he admitted the situation is uncertain. Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks on January 19, but he missed his debut with the team due to an upper-body injury. He returned to action on February 4, just before the Olympic break, and has since played only four games with the Sharks. Despite limited ice time, he has contributed 14 shots and 23 hits, leading the team in those categories. His high-energy, physical style has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised Sherwood’s work ethic and competitiveness, noting, "He gives you everything he has every single shift. He gets in there, he puts his nose over a puck, he tries to win pucks. He’s physical. He plays the net front, he defends. He’ll block a shot. He’ll do whatever it takes to win." Warsofsky compared Sherwood’s approach to that of young star Macklin Celebrini, highlighting his ability to elevate the team’s intensity. Beyond his on-ice contributions, Sherwood’s dedication extends to off-ice efforts. Warsofsky described him as a model teammate, noting, "In practice, he’s the first guy in line. He’s ready to go. He puts the extra effort, it’s not just on the ice, it’s off the ice. It’s in meetings. He’s paying attention. He’s picking up things quickly. So he’s got a natural ability to do those things.#macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #ryan_warsofsky #kiefer_sherwood #sap_center
