SJ Sharks Playoff Race: Six Games to Make History

San Jose Sharks on the Brink of First Playoff Appearance Since 2019

The San Jose Sharks are making hockey fans believe again. With six games left in the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the Sharks sit just one point out of a Western Conference wild card spot — and the entire hockey world is watching. After years of rebuilding, San Jose has surged into postseason contention behind a red-hot stretch of play, elite goaltending, and a breakout performance from rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini. Every remaining game is now a must-win scenario as the Sharks chase their first playoff appearance since 2019.

Where the Sharks Stand in the Wild Card Race

Through 76 games, the San Jose Sharks carry a 37-32-7 record and 81 points — a figure that looked unthinkable just a few months ago. The problem? The Western Conference wild card race is brutally tight.

• Nashville Predators: Hold the second wild card spot with a three-point lead over San Jose
• LA Kings: Sitting one point ahead of the Sharks with 83 points
• San Jose Sharks: 81 points, on the outside looking in — but surging fast

The math is still very much in San Jose's favor. Six games remain, the NHL regular season ends April 16, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin April 18. Every point matters, and the Sharks' remaining schedule — which includes games against the Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets — gives them multiple chances to leapfrog the competition.

A Scorching Hot Streak Fueling the Charge

The Sharks' playoff push is no fluke. San Jose has won five of their last six games, a run that has transformed them from fringe contenders into genuine postseason threats. The most recent result was a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on April 6, where Will Smith scored his 23rd goal of the season as a -160 home favorite.

The driving force behind this surge? Macklin Celebrini. The highly-touted rookie has been nothing short of sensational, posting 6 goals and 5 assists in the last six games alone. His performance has sparked serious Hart Trophy conversation, and there are compelling arguments that Celebrini deserves MVP consideration based on how he has elevated this franchise's ceiling down the stretch.

Meanwhile, goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic has been the backbone of the Sharks' defensive structure. Nedeljkovic has allowed two or fewer goals in four consecutive starts — the kind of consistency that wins playoff races. When your goalie is stealing games, anything is possible.

Wednesday Night Showdown: Sharks vs. Oilers

The most critical game of San Jose's season took center stage on Wednesday, April 8, as the Sharks hosted the Edmonton Oilers at SAP Center with puck drop at 10 p.m. ET on TNT, HBO Max, and truTV. Oddsmakers and analysts weighed in on the high-stakes matchup, and San Jose had a notable advantage entering the game.

Edmonton arrived in San Jose without star center Leon Draisaitl, who is currently on injured reserve with a lower body injury. Draisaitl's absence is a massive blow to the Oilers' offensive firepower. Predictions for the April 8 matchup factored heavily in Draisaitl's absence as a key swing variable.

That said, Edmonton is never without danger. Connor McDavid scored his 44th goal of the season just the night before — a 6-5 overtime loss — proving that even in defeat, the Oilers' captain remains one of the most dangerous players in hockey. The Sharks' defense would need to contain McDavid without making life easy for the rest of Edmonton's lineup.

The Defensive Question Mark: A Hidden Story in the Playoff Push

While San Jose's offense and goaltending have grabbed headlines, games against Edmonton and Anaheim could expose a significant area of need for the Sharks — their blue line.

San Jose's defensive corps ranked 21st in the NHL with 131 points from nine defensemen this season. That's serviceable, but not elite for a team trying to make a playoff run. Dmitry Orlov leads the group with 34 points in 76 games, providing the veteran leadership the unit needs. However, four key defensemen are pending unrestricted free agents, meaning the roster construction questions this offseason could be just as dramatic as the playoff race itself.

There is, however, a silver lining on the blue line: Sam Dickinson. The 19-year-old rookie defenseman posted 13 points in 66 games this season after an absolutely dominant junior career — 122 points in 72 games for the Memorial Cup champion London Knights. Dickinson is still raw, but his upside is enormous, and his development could be the key to San Jose fielding a truly complete team in the years ahead.

What a Playoff Appearance Would Mean for the Sharks Rebuild

Context matters here. The San Jose Sharks spent several years in full rebuild mode after a long run of playoff hockey that included back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in 2016 and 2019. Trading away veterans, stockpiling draft picks, and enduring losing seasons is never easy — but the plan is now bearing fruit faster than most expected.

A playoff appearance in 2026 would validate the rebuild timeline and signal to the entire league that San Jose is no longer a bottom-feeder. More importantly, it would give players like Celebrini, Will Smith, and Sam Dickinson meaningful postseason experience at a formative stage of their careers — experience that could pay dividends for years.

The Sharks' remaining schedule is challenging but manageable. Games against Anaheim and Chicago offer prime opportunities to bank points, while the direct clash against Nashville gives San Jose a chance to take the wild card spot outright. Every single game between now and April 16 carries playoff weight.

FAQ: San Jose Sharks Playoff Race

Are the San Jose Sharks in a playoff spot right now?

As of April 8, 2026, the Sharks are one point out of a wild card spot. They sit at 81 points, one behind the LA Kings (83 points) and three behind the Nashville Predators. With six games remaining, they are very much in the race.

How many games do the Sharks have left this season?

The Sharks have six games remaining in the regular season, which ends April 16, 2026. Their schedule includes matchups against the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets.

Who has been the Sharks' best player down the stretch?

Rookie Macklin Celebrini has been extraordinary, posting 6 goals and 5 assists in the last six games. His performance has fueled Hart Trophy conversations and has been the primary catalyst behind San Jose's surge into playoff contention.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on April 18, 2026, two days after the regular season concludes on April 16.

Where can I watch the Sharks' remaining games?

The Sharks' critical games are broadcast on TNT, HBO Max, and truTV. Local broadcasts are available through NBC Sports California. Check your regional listings for specific game times.

Conclusion: Believe the Surge

The San Jose Sharks are not just playing for pride — they are playing for a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they have the momentum to get there. Five wins in six games, an elite goaltending stretch from Nedeljkovic, and a generational talent in Celebrini stepping up in the biggest moments of the season — all the ingredients are in place.

The final six games of the 2025-26 season are essentially a mini-playoff for San Jose. Win enough of them — including the critical Nashville matchup — and the Sharks punch their ticket back to the postseason for the first time since 2019. Fail, and a promising young core spends another offseason wondering what could have been.

If you haven't been watching the Sharks lately, now is the time to tune in. This stretch run is appointment television, and the teal wave is building toward something special.