The Anaheim Ducks host the San Jose Sharks in a key Pacific Division matchup at Honda Center on Thursday night. Anaheim enters the game on a six-game losing streak and is under pressure to regain momentum with only a few games remaining in the regular season.
San Jose, meanwhile, is still fighting for a Western Conference wild-card spot. The Sharks remain within reach of the playoff race but need strong results in the final stretch of the season.
Both teams have plenty to play for, making this one of the most important late-season games for each side.
San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks Match Information
| Match | San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks |
|---|---|
| Date | April 9, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Honda Center |
| Location | Anaheim, California |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
Ducks Looking to Recover From Tough Stretch
Anaheim had been sitting near the top of the Pacific Division not long ago, but the team has struggled in recent games. The Ducks have lost six straight contests and have allowed close to five goals per game during that skid.
Despite the losses, Anaheim has still managed to generate offensive chances. In their most recent game against Nashville, the Ducks recorded more than 40 shots but were unable to beat the opposing goaltender and fell 5-0.
Forward Alex Killorn said the team needs to stay composed during tough moments and return to the resilient play that helped them earlier in the season.
Young stars have been a major part of Anaheim’s campaign. Cutter Gauthier leads the team with 38 goals and 65 points this season, while defenseman Jackson LaCombe has recorded a team-high 46 assists.
However, Anaheim could again be without Gauthier due to an upper-body injury, which leaves a noticeable gap in the offensive lineup.
Sharks Still Fighting for a Wild-Card Spot
San Jose enters the matchup with playoff hopes still alive but fading quickly. The Sharks trail the final wild-card position and likely need several wins in their remaining games to stay in the race.
Their last game ended in a 5-2 defeat against the Edmonton Oilers, but the Sharks have been competitive recently with five wins in their last seven games before that loss.
Teenage star Macklin Celebrini continues to shine for San Jose. With 108 points this season, he now holds the third-highest single-season point total by a teenager in NHL history. His performance has been one of the biggest positives for the franchise.
Alexander Wennberg has also been productive, extending his point streak to eight games.
Despite offensive talent, the Sharks have struggled defensively in recent weeks, allowing over three goals per game and facing difficulties on the penalty kill.
Head-to-Head Record
These teams have already met three times this season, and the games have been extremely competitive.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Oct 11 | Ducks 7-6 Sharks (OT) |
| Dec 29 | Sharks 5-4 Ducks |
| Apr 1 | Sharks 4-3 Ducks |
All three matchups were decided by a single goal, showing how evenly matched these teams have been throughout the season.
Overall, Anaheim has won seven of the last ten meetings between the clubs.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Sharks | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Per Game | 3.04 | 3.19 |
| Goals Allowed Per Game | 3.31 | 3.29 |
| Shots Per Game | 25.8 | 30.6 |
| Shots Allowed | 29.4 | 28.7 |
| Power Play | 20.7% | 17.6% |
| Penalty Kill | 76.7% | 77.3% |
Anaheim generates significantly more shots per game, while San Jose has a slightly more efficient power play.
Both teams struggle defensively, which has contributed to several high-scoring games recently.
Recent Form
San Jose Sharks – Last 10 Games
| Record | Goals For | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|
| 5-4-1 | 29 | 32 |
San Jose has been relatively balanced during this stretch, producing nearly three goals per game but also conceding frequently.
Anaheim Ducks – Last 10 Games
| Record | Goals For | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5-1 | 32 | 40 |
Anaheim has remained productive offensively but defensive breakdowns have cost them multiple games.
Expected Starting Goalies
| Team | Goalie | Season Record | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharks | Yaroslav Askarov | 21-18-3 | .885 |
| Ducks | Lukas Dostal | 29-19-3 | .889 |
Both goaltenders have had inconsistent seasons, which could influence the scoring pace in this matchup.
Injury Report
Ducks
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cutter Gauthier | Day-to-day | Upper body |
| Radko Gudas | Out | Lower body |
| Petr Mrazek | Out for season | Lower body |
| Ross Johnston | Out | Lower body |
| Jansen Harkins | Out | Upper body |
Sharks
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Ryan Reaves | Out |
Anaheim is dealing with multiple injuries, especially among forwards and defensive depth players.
Key Players to Watch
Macklin Celebrini – Sharks
The rookie center continues to lead San Jose’s offense and has already reached a historic milestone for teenage scoring.
Leo Carlsson – Ducks
Carlsson has emerged as a major offensive force for Anaheim and could play a key role on the top line.
Troy Terry – Ducks
Terry remains one of Anaheim’s most creative playmakers and drives much of the team’s offensive pace.
Ducks vs Sharks Prediction
This game could turn into a high-scoring contest. Both teams have struggled defensively, and recent matchups between them have produced plenty of goals.
Anaheim may have the advantage at home and will be highly motivated to stop their losing streak. The Ducks also generate more offensive pressure through shot volume.
San Jose remains dangerous offensively and could keep the game close, but Anaheim’s urgency and home ice advantage give them a slight edge.
Predicted Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Ducks | 4 |
| Sharks | 3 |
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