Here is a look at the key stories, schedule outlook, and upcoming games for the San Jose Sharks as they head into a critical stretch of the season.
The Wild Card Push
The Sharks (currently 32-30-6) are fighting for their playoff lives. Following a tough 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers over the weekend, they find themselves five points behind the Nashville Predators for the second and final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Macklin Celebrini Chasing History
The teenage phenom is having a historic season. Macklin Celebrini currently sits at 96 points (35 goals, 61 assists), recently passing NHL legend Bryan Trottier for the seventh-highest single-season point total by a teenager in NHL history.
He also just tied Joe Thornton for the third-highest single-season point total in Sharks franchise history.
Coaching Decisions Under Fire
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky is facing growing scrutiny as the Sharks have dropped seven of their last nine games. Fans and analysts are questioning recent lineup choices, particularly his decision to scratch promising young defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to play veteran Nick Leddy, as well as breaking up the highly successful forward line of Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini, and Collin Graf.
Ryan Reaves Injury
The veteran enforcer left Saturday’s game against the Flyers after the first period with a left-hand injury. His status for the upcoming road trip remains uncertain.
Sharks Upcoming Schedule
The Sharks are staring down one of their most important weeks of the season. The defining moment of this stretch is their Tuesday matchup against the Predators. Because San Jose is trailing Nashville by five points for the final wild-card spot, this is essentially a “four-point game.” Winning in regulation is an absolute must to close the gap.
Following Nashville, the Sharks continue their road trip against the St. Louis Blues and the Columbus Blue Jackets before finally returning home to SAP Center to face the Blues again. If the Sharks want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they need a strong showing on this road trip to snap their four-game losing streak.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EDT) |
| Tuesday, Mar 24 | @ Nashville Predators | Bridgestone Arena | 8:00 PM |
| Thursday, Mar 26 | @ St. Louis Blues | Enterprise Center | 8:00 PM |
| Saturday, Mar 28 | @ Columbus Blue Jackets | Nationwide Arena | 5:00 PM |
| Monday, Mar 30 | vs. St. Louis Blues | SAP Center | 10:00 PM |
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