Sharks vs Oilers Prediction & Odds - 4/3/2025

The struggling San Jose Sharks, losers of eight of their last eleven games, face a formidable challenge as they host Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers who have won six of nine despite missing Connor McDavid.

While the Sharks' porous defense has surrendered a staggering 22 goals in their last four outings, Edmonton's Calvin Pickard has been rock-solid with just 11 goals allowed in his past five starts.

This Pacific Division showdown at SAP Center might turn into a scoring fest given the recent history between these teams, with the home team Sharks desperately seeking to end their slide against an away team Oilers squad that has dominated this matchup with 11 wins in their last 12 meetings.

Best NHL sportsbook promos

San Jose Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers preview

The struggling San Jose Sharks host the Edmonton Oilers at SAP Center Thursday night in what looks like a serious mismatch on paper.

Edmonton has been rolling lately despite Connor McDavid's absence, winning six of their last nine games with Leon Draisaitl stepping up big time after returning from his own injury – dude just keeps finding the back of the net.

Meanwhile, the Sharks are in the league basement, having dropped eight of their last eleven games and surrendering a whopping 22 goals in their last four outings alone.

If there's any bright spot for San Jose, it's their occasional offensive outburst, like scoring five against Toronto recently, but their leaky defense (worst in the NHL at 3.74 goals against per game) gives them little chance against potent teams.

The goaltending matchup heavily favors Edmonton, with Calvin Pickard likely getting the start after allowing just 11 goals in his last five appearances, while San Jose's Alexandar Georgiev has struggled mightily all season.

History isn't kind to the Sharks either – Edmonton has won 11 of their last 12 meetings, with four of the last five Oilers victories coming by multiple goals.

With Draisaitl finding his form and San Jose's defense in shambles, this Pacific Division clash could get ugly quickly, even without McDavid in the lineup.

I'd keep an eye on the Oilers' power play, which has been clicking at over 25% this season and could feast against the Sharks' penalty kill that ranks among the league's worst.