Game Details:
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks
- Date: Saturday, October 18
- Time: 10:10 PM EST
- Moneyline: Penguins -146, Sharks +122
Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins travel to the West Coast for a late-night matchup against a San Jose Sharks team in the midst of a deep rebuild. The Penguins enter the season with their veteran core still intact, looking to prove they have another playoff run in them, while the Sharks are focused on developing their young talent. The betting odds reflect these differing expectations, with the visiting Penguins tabbed as solid favorites.
The Penguins will be starting their campaign without a key piece of their top-six forward group. According to a report from early October, winger Bryan Rust is expected to miss the start of the regular season, which would include this contest. While his absence is a blow to their scoring depth, Pittsburgh still boasts a formidable attack led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, giving them enough firepower to challenge most opponents.
The major storyline for the Sharks revolves around the health of their franchise centerpiece, 2024 first-overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini. According to an October 20th report from San Jose Hockey Now, Celebrini, who suffered a hip injury in the season opener on October 10th, was only just “skating on his own.” With this game taking place on October 18th, it is highly unlikely that Celebrini will be in the lineup. His absence removes the Sharks’ most dynamic offensive threat and a major source of excitement for the home crowd.
Prediction
This early-season game is a tale of two teams on opposite trajectories. The Penguins, despite being on the road and missing a key forward in Bryan Rust, possess a significant advantage in talent and experience. Their veteran leadership knows how to win these types of games against younger, less-developed opponents.
For the Sharks, being without Macklin Celebrini is a devastating blow. Without their top pick, San Jose will likely struggle to generate consistent offense against a structured Penguins team. While home ice provides a slight advantage, it’s not enough to overcome the talent gap and the loss of their most important young player. The Penguins have the depth to absorb the loss of Rust far better than the rebuilding Sharks can absorb the loss of Celebrini. Expect Pittsburgh’s veteran skill to take control of the game.
Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (-146)
Sources:
Pittsburgh Penguins Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins Injury Status – ESPN
Penguins Injury Update: Rust Out Weeks, St. Ivany Absent – Yahoo …
Maple Leafs vs. Penguins Injury Report Today – March 2 | The Tribune
Pittsburgh Penguins Injury Report – Latest Player Updates …
Canucks vs. Penguins Injury Report Today – October 26 | The Tribune
Penguins Injury Update: Joel Blomqvist Out Weeks
Sabres vs. Penguins Injury Report Today – January 17 | The Tribune
Author: Data Skrive – Page 47 | Daily Leader
Pittsburgh Penguins Injuries | Puckpedia