Venue and Event Overview
The San Jose Sharks (12-10-3) face off against the Vegas Golden Knights (10-6-8) in a Pacific Division clash that pits a resurgent Sharks team against a slumping Golden Knights squad. This matchup comes at a pivotal time for both teams, with San Jose riding a strong November and Vegas looking to snap a frustrating skid. The Sharks have shown improved offensive depth and goaltending stability, while the Golden Knights, despite their talent, have struggled with consistency and injuries. Expect a high-intensity game with divisional implications, as Vegas aims to leverage home ice to turn their fortunes around.
Puckdrop: 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET). Doors typically open 75 minutes prior to puck drop.
Team Records
San Jose Sharks: 12-10-3 (27 points), sitting in a competitive spot in the Pacific Division. They’ve exceeded early-season expectations with a balanced attack.
Vegas Golden Knights: 10-6-8 (28 points), holding onto a playoff position but showing vulnerability after a hot start.
Recent Team Forms
The Sharks have been one of the NHL’s surprise stories in November, posting a strong month with key wins that highlight their resilience. Their last five games show a 3-2-0 record:
Nov 28: W 3-2 vs. Vancouver Canucks (thrilling comeback at home, capping a memorable November).
Nov 26: L 0-6 vs. Colorado Avalanche (shut out by Mackenzie Blackwood’s 26 saves, but overwhelmed by Avs’ offense).
Nov 23: W 3-2 vs. Boston Bruins (Yaroslav Askarov with 34 saves in a gritty win).
Nov 21: L 2-3 vs. Ottawa Senators (close loss, but showed fight).
Nov 18: W 4-3 vs. Winnipeg Jets (overtime thriller).
San Jose’s form emphasizes defensive improvements and timely scoring, with a +4 goal differential in their wins.
In contrast, the Golden Knights are mired in a rough patch, going 2-4-3 in their last nine games and dropping four straight (0-3-1). Their last five games reflect ongoing struggles:
Nov 28: L 1-4 vs. Montreal Canadiens (outshot and unable to mount a comeback, fourth straight loss).
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Nov 26: L 3-4 SO vs. Ottawa Senators (earned a point but extended extra-time woes).
Nov 24: L 3-4 vs. Utah Hockey Club (close but fell short).
Nov 22: L 3-4 vs. Anaheim Ducks (another narrow defeat).
Nov 20: W 5-2 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (a bright spot with strong offense).
Vegas has scored just five goals in their last three games and consistently fallen behind early, pointing to issues with slow starts and defensive lapses.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences that could impact lineups and strategies.
San Jose Sharks:
Jeff Skinner (LW): Out (lower body). Sidelined since mid-November, expected to miss at least two more weeks; a significant blow to their top-six scoring.
Michael Misa (C): Out (lower body). On IR since early November, not yet practicing; limits center depth.
Ryan Ellis (D): Questionable (undisclosed). Potential scratch, affecting blue-line stability.
Vegas Golden Knights:
William Karlsson (C): Out (lower body). Week-to-week since mid-November; major loss in faceoffs and two-way play.
Adin Hill (G): Out (undisclosed). Injured since late November; backup Ilya Samsonov likely starts.
Jeremy Lauzon (D): Out (undisclosed). Recent addition to IR, weakening the defensive corps.
Mark Stone (RW): Returning (wrist). Back after missing 16 games; a huge boost to offense and leadership.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles across the ice, with star forwards and goaltenders in the spotlight.
Macklin Celebrini (Sharks, C) vs. Jack Eichel (Knights, C): Celebrini, the rookie sensation with 14 goals, brings speed and scoring touch against Eichel’s veteran playmaking (11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points). Expect this center matchup to dictate pace, with Eichel’s experience clashing with Celebrini’s explosiveness.
William Eklund (Sharks, LW) vs. Mark Stone (Knights, RW): Eklund’s creativity on the wing meets Stone’s return and two-way dominance. Stone’s forechecking could disrupt San Jose’s breakout.
Yaroslav Askarov/Mackenzie Blackwood (Sharks, G) vs. Ilya Samsonov (Knights, G): Sharks’ tandem has been solid (Askarov’s recent 34-save win), while Samsonov steps in for Hill amid Vegas’ defensive woes. Goaltending could decide a low-scoring affair.
Defensive Pairings: Sharks’ Mario Ferraro vs. Knights’ Shea Theodore – physicality vs. puck-moving skill in a battle for zone control.
Overall, Vegas’ depth edges out, but Sharks’ youth could exploit tired legs.
Series History
The Golden Knights have dominated this rivalry since entering the league in 2017, holding a 35-12-1 all-time record against the Sharks (72.9% win rate). Vegas is on an eight-game winning streak versus San Jose, including playoff series wins in 2018 and 2019. The Sharks’ last victory came in 2023, but recent games have been competitive, with over/under hitting over in 4 of the last 7 at T-Mobile Arena. Home ice has been key for Vegas, winning 18 of 24 home matchups.
Betting Trends
Trends: Vegas is 5-6-6 in last 17, but 7-2-3 at home. Sharks are 7-3 in November but 4-6-1 on the road.
Game Odds
San Jose Sharks 6.5
Vegas Golden Knights – 350
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025
