NHL Game Preview: San Jose Sharks (27-21-3) vs. Edmonton Oilers (27-19-8)

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The San Jose Sharks (27-21-3) take on the Edmonton Oilers (27-19-8) in a Pacific Division matchup that could impact the Western Conference standings, as both teams vie for playoff positioning. The Sharks, riding a solid 7-3-0 stretch in their last 10 games, have shown resilience on the road with a 13-12-0 mark away, focusing on efficient scoring and strong special teams. The Oilers, meanwhile, have a 5-3-2 record in their last 10 but boast one of the league’s top offenses, led by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, though they’ve been inconsistent at home (14-8-4). This is the first meeting of the season between the rivals, with the Oilers holding a historical edge in recent road games for the Sharks (San Jose 0-7 SU in last 7 at Edmonton). Injuries to key players on both sides could lead to a cautious, low-scoring affair, where Edmonton’s firepower might overwhelm San Jose’s defense, but the Sharks’ recent form could spring an upset if they exploit power-play opportunities.

Venue Location

Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Recent Team Forms

The Sharks rank 19th in goals per game (3.04) and 21st in goals against (3.41), with a power play at 20.0% (16th) and penalty kill at 78.0% (22nd). The Oilers are 7th in goals per game (3.41) and 19th in goals against (3.15), with a power play at 31.8% (1st) and penalty kill at 80.0% (18th).

San Jose Sharks (Last 10 Games: 7-3-0, Avg. 3.08 GPG)

Recent Streak: Won 2 straight.

Key Results:

Jan. 27 vs. ANA: W 5-3 (Efficient scoring; power play success).

Jan. 25 @ LAK: W 4-2 (Strong defense; limited shots against).

Jan. 23 vs. NYR: L 1-3.

Jan. 21 @ ANA: W 3-2 (OT).

Jan. 19 vs. VGK: L 2-4.

Strengths: Offensive efficiency (3.08 GPG in last 10); Power play at 28.2% in recent games.

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Weaknesses: Allowing 3.39 GAA; Road struggles in high-scoring games (13-12-0 away).

Edmonton Oilers (Last 10 Games: 5-3-2, Avg. 3.41 GPG)

Recent Streak: Won 1.

Key Results:

Jan. 27 vs. ANA: W 7-4 (Ekholm hat trick; high-powered offense).

Jan. 25 vs. TOR: L 2-4.

Jan. 23 @ VAN: W 4-3.

Jan. 21 vs. CBJ: L 2-3 (OT).

Jan. 19 vs. MTL: W 5-2.

Strengths: Top power play (31.8%, 1st in NHL); Scoring 3.41 GPG.

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Weaknesses: Allowing 3.15 GAA; Inconsistent at home (14-8-4).

Injury Report

San Jose Sharks:

OUT: Philipp Kurashev (C, upper body).

Edmonton Oilers:

QUESTIONABLE: Mattias Ekholm (D, undisclosed).

OUT: Carey Price (G, knee; out for season).

Key

Player Matchups

Expected starting lineups amid injuries:

Sharks Forwards: Tyler Toffoli – Mack Celebrini – Fabian Zetterlund; Mikael Granlund – William Eklund – Barclay Goodrow; Danil Gushchin – Alex Wennberg – Luke Kunin; Carl Grundstrom – Nico Sturm – Givani Smith.

Oilers Forwards: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman; Evander Kane – Leon Draisaitl – Viktor Arvidsson; Jeff Skinner – Adam Henrique – Connor Brown; Vasily Podkolzin – Derek Ryan – Corey Perry.

Sharks Defense: Jake Walman – Mario Ferraro; Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Cody Ceci; Henry Thrun – Jan Rutta.

Oilers Defense: Mattias Ekholm (questionable) – Evan Bouchard; Darnell Nurse – Travis Dermott; Brett Kulak – Troy Stecher.

Goalies: Sharks – Vitek Vanecek (25 GP, 12-9-2, 3.20 GAA, .890 SV%); Oilers – Stuart Skinner (30 GP, 15-10-5, 3.00 GAA, .895 SV%).

Key Matchups:

Mack Celebrini vs. Connor McDavid: Celebrini (rookie playmaking) vs. McDavid’s speed and scoring (35 G, 50 A).

Fabian Zetterlund vs. Evan Bouchard: Zetterlund (net-front) tests Bouchard’s defense (10 G, 30 A).

Tyler Toffoli vs. Darnell Nurse: Toffoli (20 G) vs. Nurse’s physicality.

Goalie Duel: Vanecek vs. Skinner: Vanecek’s saves vs. Skinner’s consistency.

Series History

All-time: Oilers lead 55-45-8 in 108 regular-season games.

No playoff meetings. Recently: Sharks 0-7 SU in last 7 road games vs. Oilers; Over in 8 of Sharks’ last 8 games vs. Oilers.

This season: First meeting (0-0).

Betting Trends

ATS Trends: Oilers 2-3 ATS in last 5; Sharks 3-2 ATS in last 5. Oilers 13-15 ATS at home; Sharks 14-9-2 ATS on road. Over in 5 of Oilers’ last 7; Over in 4 of Sharks’ last 6 vs. Pacific teams.

Game Odds

San Jose Sharks                6.5

Edmonton Oilers              – 192

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026

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