San Jose Sharks vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks and Predictions for Saturday December 13 2025
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San Jose continues its East Coast swing with a tough road test in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins are trying to steady themselves at home. This matchup features an exciting young scorer on one side and veteran star power on the other, with special teams and goaltending likely deciding the outcome. Be ready for all the action on the ice with our free NHL Picks.
Sharks vs Penguins Betting Overview
The Sharks come in at 15-14-3, while the Penguins sit 14-8-7 and have been solid but not dominant at home (6-5-3). San Jose has been competitive most nights, but defensive lapses and shot suppression remain concerns against a Penguins team that thrives on puck possession.
San Jose Sharks Preview
Offense
San Jose’s attack runs through its rookie star:
- 2.77 GF/G
- 23.9 shots per game
- Power Play: 18.8%
Key producers:
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- Macklin Celebrini: 44 points (15G, 29A) — the engine of the offense
- Celebrini also leads the team in power-play production and shot generation
The Sharks can score when their top line is on the ice, but depth scoring has been inconsistent, especially on the road.
Defense & Goaltending
This is where San Jose tends to struggle:
- 3.29 GAA
- Allowing 31.3 shots per game
- PK: 80.4% (respectable, but volume against is high)
Likely goaltending options:
- Yaroslav Askarov: 3.14 GAA, .903 SV%
- Alex Nedeljkovic: 3.02 GAA, .902 SV%
Askarov has upside, but Pittsburgh’s shot volume and net-front pressure can test him heavily.
Injuries to Note
- Vincent Desharnais IR
- Michael Misa IR-LT
- Logan Couture IR (long-term)
Recent Form (Last 5)
- W 3–2 @ TOR (OT)
- L 4–1 @ PHI
- W 4–1 @ CAR
- L 4–1 @ DAL
- L 7–1 vs WSH
San Jose is 2–3 in its last five, with results swinging sharply based on goaltending performance.
Pittsburgh Penguins Preview
Offense
Pittsburgh still leans on its stars and special teams:
- 3.14 GF/G
- 28.0 shots per game
- Power Play: 32.4% (elite)
Key producers:
- Sidney Crosby: 32 points (18G, 14A)
- Evgeni Malkin: 21 assists, key PP facilitator
If San Jose takes penalties, Pittsburgh is well-equipped to punish them.
Defense & Goaltending
- 2.71 GAA
- PK: 85.2% (excellent)
Goaltending:
- Tristan Jarry: 2.54 GAA, .909 SV%
- Backup depth has been serviceable, but Jarry gives Pittsburgh the clear edge in net.
Injuries to Note
- Rickard Rakell IR
- Evgeni Malkin IR
- Blake Lizotte IR
- Harrison Brunicke OUT
Even with injuries, Pittsburgh’s structure has held up reasonably well.
Recent Form (Last 5)
- L 4–2 vs MTL
- L 4–3 vs ANA (SO)
- L 3–2 @ DAL (SO)
- W 4–3 @ TB
- W 5–1 @ PHI
The Penguins are 2–3 in their last five, but most losses have been close, low-margin games.
Matchup Breakdown
Edge: Special Teams — Pittsburgh
A 32.4% power play against San Jose’s volume-heavy defense is a major mismatch.
Edge: Shot Control — Pittsburgh
The Penguins generate far more consistent pressure and should tilt the ice, especially at home.
Likely Game Script
- San Jose needs an above-average goaltending performance to stay even.
- If Pittsburgh scores first, expect the Penguins to control tempo and grind this down.
Picks & Predictions
Pittsburgh’s special teams and goaltending give them the higher floor in this matchup. San Jose can keep it close if Celebrini creates offense early, but over 60 minutes the Penguins’ structure and power play are the safer side. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Sharks with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on the Penguins by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Sharks vs Penguins bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
Best Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins ML
Secondary Lean: Penguins team total over 3.0
Final Score Prediction
Pittsburgh Penguins 4, San Jose Sharks 2
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