The NHL Pacific Division rivalry intensifies on December 29, 2025, as the San Jose Sharks face the Anaheim Ducks in a matchup that could have playoff implications in a tight Western Conference. The Sharks, buoyed by young talent like Macklin Celebrini and recent offensive resurgence, seek to build on a win over Vancouver and avenge earlier losses to Anaheim. The Ducks, meanwhile, aim to rebound from a blowout defeat to the Kings and leverage their strong home form, but injuries and defensive inconsistencies may hinder their efforts. Expect a fast-paced, physical game with special teams playing a key role.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This 17,174-capacity arena, located at 2695 East Katella Avenue, opened in 1993 and is known for its intimate seating and passionate Ducks fans, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams.
Puckdrop is set for 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET)
Broadcast: Available on NBCSCA for Sharks markets, Bally Sports SoCal for Ducks markets, and nationally via ESPN+.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with absences that could affect forward depth and defensive stability. Reports are as of December 28, 2025.
San Jose Sharks:
Timothy Liljegren (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed). He underwent an evaluation after the December 27 game against Vancouver and remains questionable, potentially weakening the blue line if sidelined.
Will Smith (C): Injured reserve (undisclosed). Placed on IR; expected to miss extended time, impacting center production and rookie contributions.
Shakir Mukhamadullin (D): Injured reserve (upper body). Out indefinitely, further thinning defensive options.
Jack Thompson (D): Out (undisclosed). Not expected to play, adding to blue-line concerns.
No other major injuries reported, with key players like Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf available.
Anaheim Ducks:
Frank Vatrano (RW): Day-to-day (upper body). He departed in the third period of the December 27 game against Los Angeles after crashing into the boards; questionable for December 29, a blow to wing scoring if out.
Leo Carlsson (C): On injury report (undisclosed). Status uncertain; could limit center options if sidelined.
Nathan Gaucher (C): Day-to-day (shoulder). Out since September 21, 2025; potential return but questionable.
Chris Kreider (LW): Day-to-day (hand). Out since September 21, 2025; listed but may be a typo or unrelated—focus on Ducks players.
No additional key injuries reported, with players like Trevor Zegras available.
These injuries may lead to increased minutes for rookies and backups, potentially resulting in more open play and higher scoring if defenses struggle.
Player Matchups
This Pacific Division rivalry spotlights young stars and veteran anchors, with potential for high-energy shifts. Key matchups to watch:
Macklin Celebrini (SJS C) vs. Leo Carlsson (ANA C, if available): Celebrini’s rookie scoring surge (20 goals, including recent tallies) against Carlsson’s all-around play (17 goals, 24 assists for 41 points). Carlsson’s undisclosed issue could shift this to a mismatch favoring Celebrini in the circle.
Collin Graf (SJS RW) vs. Trevor Zegras (ANA C): Graf’s four-game goal streak and net-front presence vs. Zegras’ playmaking and creativity. Graf’s recent form could exploit Anaheim’s defensive gaps.
Igor Chernyshov (SJS F) vs. Frank Vatrano (ANA RW, if available): Chernyshov’s first career goal and assist in the December 27 win vs. Vancouver vs. Vatrano’s scoring touch. Vatrano’s upper-body injury may force Anaheim to adjust, giving Chernyshov more space.
Yaroslav Askarov (SJS G) vs. Lukas Dostal (ANA G): Askarov’s strong performance (24 saves in Dec 27 win) vs. Dostal’s consistency. Askarov’s agility could be key against Anaheim’s shooters.
The Sharks’ youth movement could overwhelm a potentially depleted Ducks lineup, but Anaheim’s home energy may spark veterans like Zegras.
San Jose ranks mid-pack in goals for but strong in goaltending, while Anaheim excels in special teams but has defensive inconsistencies.
Recent Team Forms
The Sharks are finding form with a recent win, while the Ducks are reeling from a blowout loss.
San Jose Sharks (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | at Vancouver | W 3-2 | Chernyshov GWG; Celebrini 20th goal; Askarov 24 saves in thriller. youtube.com |
| Dec 23 | vs Vegas | L 2-7 | Defensive collapse; allowed seven goals. youtube.com |
| Dec 20 | vs Vancouver | L 2-4 | Close but fell short; Graf extended streak. statmuse.com |
| Dec 5 | at Dallas | L 1-4 | Offensive drought; one goal scored. statmuse.com |
| Dec ? | vs UTA | W 6-3 | Offensive explosion; six goals. nhl.com |
Form: W-L-L-L-W (2-3 in last 5). The Sharks are 4-6 in their last 10, with improved offense in wins but defensive issues in losses.
Anaheim Ducks (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | at LA Kings | L 1-6 | Blowout; Laferriere hat trick for Kings; Vatrano injured. youtube.com +1 |
| Dec 22 | vs Seattle | L 1-3 | Defensive stand but offense limited; Eberle two goals for Kraken. youtube.com |
| Dec 16 | vs Minnesota | L 1-5 | Blowout; struggled against Wild’s attack. |
| Dec 15 | at Minnesota | W 4-1 | Solid win; efficient scoring. statmuse.com |
| Dec ? | vs St. Louis | W 4-1 | Dominant; four goals scored. nhl.com |
Form: L-L-L-W-W (2-3 in last 5). The Ducks are 5-5 in their last 10, with strong wins but recent defensive breakdowns.
Series History
The Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks have a storied Pacific Division rivalry, known as the Freeway Face-Off, with 176 regular-season meetings since December 2, 1993. Anaheim leads the all-time series 97-96, with 532 goals for the Ducks and 535 for the Sharks. The Sharks are 2-4-4 in the last 10 games against the Ducks.
Recent Games:
October 11, 2025: Ducks 7-6 Sharks.
January 31, 2024 to October 11, 2025: Ducks won 6 straight before recent trends.
Anaheim is 88-88 in home games vs. San Jose all-time (including OT/SO).
Games average 5.8 goals, often high-scoring due to divisional intensity, with the over hitting in 4 of the last 6.
Anaheim’s recent dominance provides confidence, but San Jose’s youth could spark a turnaround.
Betting Trends
San Jose Sharks: 5-15 SU in their last 20 games against Pacific Division opponents; the total has gone under in 4 of their last 6 road games; 2-3 ATS in last 5 as underdogs.
Anaheim Ducks: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games; the total has gone over in 4 of their last 6 vs. San Jose; 3-2 SU in last 5 as favorites.
Head-to-Head Trends: Ducks 4-2-4 ATS in last 10 vs. Sharks; over 6.5 goals in 4 of 10 recent meetings.
League-Wide: Home favorites like the Ducks are 60% ATS vs. .500 road teams in December 2025.
Game Odds
San Jose Sharks 6.5
Anaheim Ducks – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025
