NHL Game Preview: St. Louis Blues (31-30-11) vs. San Jose Sharks (33-31-7)

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San Jose Sharks logo

Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Venue: SAP Center, San Jose, CA
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national), FanDuel Sports Network Midwest (Blues regional), NBC Sports California (Sharks regional)

This Western Conference cross-divisional clash carries major playoff implications for both sides. The Blues enter riding a four-game winning streak and are battling for the final wild-card spot in the Central Division picture, while the Sharks—also in the thick of the Pacific wild-card race—are looking to snap a recent skid at home and close the gap on the postseason bubble. San Jose holds home-ice advantage and slight favoritism in what projects as a tightly contested, low-event affair.

Team

Recent Form (Last 5-10 Games)

Blues (8-2-0 in last 10; 4-1-0 in last 5):

Mar 28: W 5-1 vs TOR

Mar 26: W 2-1 (OT) vs SJS

Mar 24: W 3-0 vs WSH

Mar 21: W 3-1 @ VAN
St. Louis is rolling with strong goaltending and timely scoring, posting a 10-1-2 record in its last 13 games overall.

Sharks (2-7-1 in last 10; 1-4-0 in last 5):

Recent: On a six-game losing skid (0-5-1) entering the most recent matchup, with defensive lapses and goaltending instability.
San Jose has been outscored heavily during the slide but remains competitive at home.

Injury Report

St. Louis Blues:

Tyler Tucker (D) – OUT (lower body)

Robert Thomas (C) – Day-to-Day (upper body; missed recent games)

Other core rotation players generally available.

San Jose Sharks:

Yaroslav Askarov (G) – Day-to-Day (upper-body/undisclosed; left mid-game Mar 26)

Klingberg (D) – Day-to-Day

Reaves (RW) – OUT

Additional depth pieces monitored, but netminding uncertainty remains a factor.

Monitor Thomas and Askarov closely—their status could swing special teams and goaltending edges.

Key

Player Matchups to Watch

Blues top line (Kyrou/Snuggerud/Holloway) vs. Sharks defense: St. Louis’ recent scoring surge (Holloway hot with 17 points in 14 games) tested by San Jose’s structured back end.

Sharks young guns (Celebrini/Macklin) vs. Blues shutdown pairs: San Jose’s speed and playmaking must exploit any Blues defensive gaps created by injuries.

Goaltending: Blues’ Joel Hofer (strong in recent wins) vs. Sharks’ uncertain tandem (Askarov if active or backup)—St. Louis has the edge here.

Special teams & physicality: Blues PP/PK efficiency vs. Sharks’ home forecheck; expect board battles and rebound control to decide a potential one-goal game.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

2025-26: Blues lead 2-0 (Mar 26: STL 2-1 OT; Mar 6: STL 3-2 OT).

Blues have won the last two meetings in dramatic fashion; San Jose has struggled to close out games against St. Louis lately.

Betting Trends

Blues 4-1 SU in last 5 and 4-1 SU vs. Sharks; total Under in 7 of St. Louis’ last 8 games.

Sharks 2-3 SU in last 5 and on a skid but strong ATS as home favorites vs. similar-level teams.

Low-scoring trend in Blues road games and recent H2H.

Game Odds

St. Louis Blues                   5.5

San Jose Sharks                – 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 29, 2026

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