1. Game Overview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to host the San Jose Sharks in an interconference matchup on December 13, 2025. The puck is scheduled to drop at 3:00 PM EST in Pittsburgh. This game features a veteran Penguins squad looking to maintain its dominance over a young Sharks team that has shown recent signs of a competitive resurgence.
2. Team Form and Analysis
San Jose Sharks:The Sharks enter this contest with growing confidence, having recently won four of their last six games as of early November and coming off a dramatic overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 11. In that game, Alexander Wennberg scored the game-winner after John Klingberg tied it late in the third period. The team’s youth movement is paying dividends, with rookie Macklin Celebrini making a significant impact. Celebrini has already recorded a five-point game (including a hat trick) against the New York Rangers and a three-point performance against the Seattle Kraken. Fellow forward Will Smith has also been a key contributor, notching four points in the win over New York.
Pittsburgh Penguins:The Penguins have been gathering points consistently but have struggled to close out games, posting a 5-2-3 record in their last ten contests. In their last five games, they are 2-1-2 with a +3 goal differential, indicating a series of tightly contested matchups. The veteran leadership of Sidney Crosby continues to anchor the team; he recently tallied three points in a game against the Maple Leafs. The Penguins have historically had the upper hand in this series, boasting a 7-3-0 record in their last 10 games against the Sharks, including a 3-0 shutout victory earlier this season on October 18.
3. Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries heading into this game.
- San Jose Sharks: While the most recent information is limited, a report from early November indicated an injury to defenseman Timothy Liljegren. His current status for this game is unconfirmed.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins will be without several key players. Goaltender Tristan Jarry, forward Noel Acciari, and forward Justin Brazeau have all been placed on injured reserve. The team has recalled goalie Sergei Murashov to address the absence of their starter. The return timeline for forward Rickard Rakell is also uncertain.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Moneyline: The Penguins are the favorites in this matchup at -170, while the Sharks are the underdogs at +140. This means a bettor would need to wager $170 on the Penguins to win $100. Conversely, a $100 wager on the Sharks would yield a $140 profit if they win.
5. Prediction
While the Penguins have a strong historical advantage and are playing on home ice, their injury situation is a major concern. The loss of starting goaltender Tristan Jarry is a critical blow and creates a significant vulnerability that the Sharks’ young, skilled forwards like Macklin Celebrini could exploit. The Sharks have been playing with newfound confidence and have proven they can compete in close games.
Despite the Sharks’ potential for an upset, the Penguins’ veteran core, led by Sidney Crosby, and their disciplined system under coach Dan Muse should not be underestimated. Pittsburgh has found ways to earn points even when not at their best. Expect a close contest, but the Penguins’ experience and home-ice advantage will likely be the difference-maker.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins 4, San Jose Sharks 3
Sources:
Pittsburgh Penguins vs San Jose Sharks hockey Head To Head …
San Jose Sharks vs Pittsburgh Penguins History
Penguins Record Vs Sharks Last 10 Games | StatMuse
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. San Jose Sharks: Head-to-Head Reg …
Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry with Penguins, Capitals remains ‘great for …
Sharks’ Smith Has History With Penguins’ Coach Dan Muse
Schaefer, Celebrini latest No. 1 draft picks to go head-to-head | NHL …
USA Hockey Adds To Coaching Staff for 2025 U.S. Men’s National …
Pittsburgh Penguins Name Dan Muse the 23rd Head Coach in …
Washington Capitals – San Jose Sharks Head to Head Statistics …