The 2025-26 NHL season continues with a Pacific Division rivalry matchup as the Seattle Kraken travel to face the San Jose Sharks. Seattle, sitting near the bottom of the division, has struggled with consistency and injuries but shows flashes of competitiveness in close games. San Jose, hovering around .500, has been more resilient at home and looks to build momentum with a balanced attack. With both teams dealing with key absences, this late-night contest could turn on special teams and goaltending, potentially low-scoring amid defensive focuses and recent trends.
Venue Location
The game will be held at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, California. This 17,159-seat arena has been the Sharks’ home since 1996 and is known for its passionate crowds and modern amenities, often providing a boost in divisional clashes.
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT local time). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with local feeds on KHN/Prime and KONG for Kraken fans, and NBCSCA for Sharks viewers.
Injury Report
Seattle Kraken: Forward Jared McCann (Out – Lower Body, on IR; expected return January 2, 2026). Forward Jaden Schwartz (Out – Lower Body, on IR; expected return January 1, 2026). Forward Berkly Catton (Out – Undisclosed, on IR; expected return December 22, 2025). Defenseman Brandon Montour (Day-to-Day – Undisclosed; questionable for December 20). These absences deplete Seattle’s forward depth and blue line, forcing reliance on secondary scorers like Mason Marchment.
San Jose Sharks: Forward Will Smith (Out – Undisclosed, on IR; re-evaluated Monday, December 22, 2025). Defenseman Vincent Desharnais (Out – Upper Body). Forward Philipp Kurashev (Out – Upper Body). These losses impact San Jose’s forward group and depth, but core players remain available.
Player Matchups
This divisional game highlights several key battles that could determine the outcome:
Brandon Montour (SEA, D) vs. Mack Vatrano (SJS, RW): If Montour plays (day-to-day, undisclosed), his mobility (strong + rating) will test Vatrano’s net-front presence (scoring threat), a defensive-forward matchup for high-danger chances.
Mason Marchment (SEA, LW) vs. Nazem Kadri (SJS, C): Marchment steps up with McCann out, bringing energy, against Kadri’s veteran leadership and faceoff wins (51%), controlling the middle ice.
Tye Kartye (SEA, F) vs. Will Smith (SJS, F): Kartye (illness cleared) faces Smith (out, undisclosed), shifting to other Sharks like Klingberg, but this could be a depth forward clash for secondary scoring.
Ville Husso (SEA, G) vs. Vitek Vanecek (SJS, G): Husso (expected starter; solid GAA) vs. Vanecek (recent wins; 2.65 GAA), in a goaltending duel where San Jose’s edge could limit Seattle’s shots.
San Jose’s depth gives them an advantage amid Seattle’s injuries.
Team Records
Seattle Kraken: 12-14-6 (30 points), 7th in the Pacific Division.
San Jose Sharks: 17-15-3 (37 points), 5th in the Pacific Division.
Recent Team Forms
Seattle has struggled, going 1-4-0 in their last five games, with a goal differential of -7. Losses include 3-5 to Colorado on December 16, and earlier defeats to Utah and others, averaging 2.2 goals for and 3.8 against. Their power play is at 18%, penalty kill at 78%, highlighting offensive woes amid injuries.
San Jose has been more consistent, going 3-2-0 in their last five, including a 3-5 loss to Dallas on December 18. Wins like 6-5 over Pittsburgh on December 13 show resilience, averaging 3.0 goals for and 3.2 against. Power play at 20%, penalty kill at 80%, with timely scoring boosting their form.
Series History
The Seattle Kraken hold a 10-7 all-time record against the San Jose Sharks in 17 meetings. At SAP Center, the series is competitive, with Seattle winning key road games. Recently, the Kraken are 1-0 this season (December 15, 4-1 win). Games average 5.5 goals, with the home team winning 7 of the last 10. This is the second of three scheduled matchups this season, with a rematch later in 2026.
Betting Trends
San Jose is a slight home favorite across sportsbooks, reflecting their form. Trends: Sharks are 2-3 in their last 5 but 3-2 ATS; under has hit in 4 of San Jose’s last 6. Kraken are 2-3 in last 5 road games but 1-4 SU; over is 4-1 in Seattle’s last 5 vs. Pacific foes. Head-to-head, under has cashed in 5 of last 7. League-wide, unders are at 55% in December games with injury-hit teams like these.
Game Odds
Seattle Kraken 6.5
San Jose Sharks – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
