The 2025-26 NHL season features an inter-conference matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are riding a six-game winning streak and positioning themselves as Eastern Conference contenders with elite offensive depth, and the San Jose Sharks, who are battling for a Western Conference playoff spot amid a rebuild bolstered by young talent like Macklin Celebrini. Tampa Bay’s high-powered attack, led by Nikita Kucherov’s playmaking, faces a Sharks team relying on balanced scoring and home-ice energy to counter. This game could hinge on special teams, with the Lightning’s top-ranked power play testing San Jose’s improving penalty kill in a potentially high-scoring affair at SAP Center.
Venue Location
SAP Center at San Jose, located in San Jose, California. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 17,562 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the San Jose Sharks.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. ET).
Injury Report
Tampa Bay Lightning: Defenseman Ryan McDonagh is out (undisclosed, placed on IR January 1). Forward Scott Sabourin is out (undisclosed, IR since December 30). Defenseman Emil Lilleberg is on IR (undisclosed, expected return January 20). Defenseman Victor Hedman is out (elbow).
San Jose Sharks: Forward Will Smith is out (upper body, week-to-week). Forward Philipp Kurashev is out (upper body, week-to-week). Defenseman Timothy Liljegren is day-to-day (upper body). Forward Adam Gaudette is day-to-day (lower body). Defenseman John Klingberg is doubtful (lower body). Defenseman Vincent Desharnais is out (undisclosed).
Key Player Matchups
This matchup features Tampa Bay’s explosive forwards against San Jose’s emerging young core and veteran anchors, with special teams and transition play likely pivotal amid injuries.
Nikita Kucherov (TBL, F) vs. Mikael Granlund (SJS, F): Kucherov, leading the Lightning in points with his elite vision and shot, will test Granlund’s two-way reliability in neutral-zone battles and power-play setups.
Brayden Point (TBL, F) vs. Macklin Celebrini (SJS, F): Point’s speed and finishing (recent multi-goal games) face Celebrini’s dynamic rookie playmaking, key for faceoffs and odd-man rushes.
Gage Goncalves (TBL, F) vs. Fabian Zetterlund (SJS, F): Goncalves, stepping up with recent game-winners, meets Zetterlund’s scoring touch, potentially dictating secondary lines and board battles.
Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL, G) vs. Tyler Toffoli (SJS, F): Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay’s starter, must handle Toffoli’s veteran shot volume, especially on the rush where the Sharks generate chances.
Recent Team Forms
Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning are 5-0-0 in their last five games, extending a six-game winning streak with strong third-period comebacks. Recent results: Jan 1 W 5-3 @ LAK; Dec 31 W 4-3 OT vs ANA; Dec 29 W 5-2 vs other; earlier wins showcasing offense (outscoring opponents 22-13 in stretch).
San Jose Sharks: The Sharks are 3-2-0 in their last five, alternating wins with solid home performances. Recent results: Dec 31/Jan 1 W 4-3 vs MIN; previous mixed, including losses but comeback victories (outscored 16-15 in stretch, focusing on young core contributions).
Series History
The Lightning hold a strong edge in the all-time series with a 28-22-2 record against the Sharks. Tampa Bay is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings, including 9-2 SU in the last 11 overall. The teams have split recent games with moderate scoring, but Tampa Bay has dominated lately, outscoring San Jose in key matchups. Road teams like the Lightning have won 5-1 SU in the last six encounters in San Jose.
Betting Trends
Tampa Bay is 6-0 SU in their last six games and 9-2 SU in the last 11 against San Jose, but 4-6 ATS as road favorites this season. The over has hit in 7 of the Lightning’s last 10 road games (averaging 6.8 goals). San Jose is 4-1 ATS in their last five home games but 24-98 SU as underdogs of +201 or greater historically. The over has gone 16-5-2 in the Sharks’ last 23 as favorites, but head-to-head trends favor the under in six of the last nine (average 5.2 goals).
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning – 218
San Jose Sharks 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
