Penguins Aim for Fourth Straight Win Against Struggling Sharks

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Pittsburgh Penguins face the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night at SAP Center, aiming to extend their recent dominance over the struggling Sharks. Puck drop is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and ESPN+.

The Penguins (20-23-8) enter the matchup riding momentum, having won six of their last seven games against San Jose (14-32-6). Pittsburgh has averaged 5.14 goals per game in those contests and seeks its fourth consecutive road win against the Sharks, a franchise first.

Erik Karlsson, who spent five seasons with San Jose from 2018-23, will face his former team. During his tenure with the Sharks, Karlsson recorded 243 points (52 goals, 191 assists) in 293 games, leading all Sharks defensemen in goals, assists, and points. “It’s always special to play against your former team,” Karlsson said. “But right now, the focus is on getting the win for Pittsburgh.”

Rickard Rakell has been a consistent performer against San Jose, tallying 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) in 37 career games. Bryan Rust, second on the Penguins with 19 goals, is one shy of his sixth 20-goal season. Rust has excelled against the Sharks, recording 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in 13 games.

Pittsburgh’s power play, ranked sixth in the NHL at 26.9%, has converted 41.7% of opportunities during the first five games of their seven-game road trip. Michael Bunting leads the team with nine power-play goals, tied for sixth in the league. “Our power play has been clicking,” Bunting said. “We want to keep that momentum going.”

San Jose, meanwhile, has struggled defensively, allowing 4.60 goals per game over their last 10 matchups. Their penalty kill has been particularly ineffective, succeeding just 57.9% of the time during that span. “We know we have to be better,” Sharks coach David Quinn said. “Pittsburgh is a tough opponent, but we’re focused on turning things around.”

Sidney Crosby, riding a seven-game point streak against San Jose, will look to build on his 17 power-play points this season. The Penguins are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents and aim to close their season-long road trip on a high note.