Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 18, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Saturday night, with the game starting at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Pittsburgh enters at 3-2-0 after a strong 4-2 win over the Kings, while San Jose is still searching for its first victory of the season at 0-1-2 following a 5-1 loss to Carolina. Blue line to crease — NHL picks for Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks without the fluff.
Pittsburgh Finds Rhythm on the West Coast
The Penguins are starting to mesh, winning three of the last four games behind improved play at both ends and balanced scoring. The 4-2 win in Los Angeles showed how dangerous they can be when the top lines execute. Evgeni Malkin continued his hot start with a power-play goal and now leads the team with seven points through five games. Filip Hallander added a shorthanded tally, and Sidney Crosby sealed the game with an empty-netter as Pittsburgh’s veterans continue to lead the team.
Offensively, the Penguins have been consistent, averaging 3.00 goals per game with production coming from all three lines. Justin Brazeau has emerged early as the team’s leading goal scorer with four, while Jake Guentzel and Erik Karlsson continue to create puck movement. Pittsburgh’s power play sits at 23.1% after converting in consecutive games, and the Penguins are generating quality chances despite averaging only 25.8 shots per night. The transition game has also improved, creating scoring looks off turnovers.
Defensively, the Penguins have tightened up since opening week. They’ve cut down shots against to 29.2 per game and improved on the penalty kill to 76.5%. Arturs Silovs (2-1-0, 2.67 goals against average, .908 save percentage) has looked solid between the pipes and is likely to get another start after stopping 30 of 32 shots in L.A. The blue line pairing of Karlsson and Ryan Shea has given the Penguins stability on defense, and the ability to move the puck quickly has limited the time the Pens remain in the defensive zone.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Injuries remain an obstacle for Pittsburgh, with Bill Zonnon (LW, out until Oct 24), Tanner Howe (LW, IR-NR, Jan 24), Rutger McGroarty (RW, IR-NR, Oct 18), Jack St. Ivany (D, IR-NR, Nov 14), and Kevin Hayes (RW, IR, Oct 21) all sidelined.
San Jose Searching for Answers
The Sharks are off to another slow start, now 0-1-2 after being overwhelmed by Carolina. They’ve allowed 16 goals through three games, including giving up multiple goals in the second period in back-to-back games that have put them behind early. Against the Hurricanes, William Eklund scored the only goal for San Jose, and Alex Nedeljkovic faced 43 shots in goal. San Jose’s defensive issues are obvious, and the inability to maintain puck possession has put them behind early.
Offensively, the Sharks have managed 3.33 goals per game but remain ineffective, averaging just 21 shots per night. Jeff Skinner leads the way with two goals, while Dmitry Orlov has three assists to start the season. The power play has been one of the few positives, converting 23.1% of its chances, but most of that production has come in short spurts rather than sustained puck possession in the attack zone.
The defensive side has been the biggest problem. The Sharks are giving up 5.33 goals per game and 39.3 shots, one of the highest rates in the league. The penalty kill is struggling at 72.7%, and both goaltenders have suffered behind a thin blue line. Nedeljkovic (0-1-1, 4.45 GAA, .878 SV%) has battled, but Yaroslav Askarov (0-0-1, 6.93 GAA, .837 SV%) hasn’t provided any relief.
Injuries have taken a toll on San Jose. John Klingberg (D, day-to-day, Oct 17), Timothy Liljegren (D, IR, Oct 23), Ryan Ellis (D, IR, Jul 1), and Logan Couture (C, IR, Sep 15) remain out.
Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks Pick
Spread Pick for Penguins vs. Sharks
- Â Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (+120) (4 Units)
The Penguins have the clear advantage in goaltending, overall depth, and on special teams. Pittsburgh’s power play has been sharp, and puck movement through Malkin and Karlsson will carve up a San Jose penalty kill ranked below 73%. The Sharks are being outshot by more than 18 per game and haven’t shown discipline in their own end to stay competitive. With Silovs in net and the attack performing well, Pittsburgh should handle business comfortably and cover the puck line.
Over/Under Pick for Penguins vs. Sharks
- Â Over 6.5 (4 Units)
San Jose’s defensive breakdowns make the Over a strong play. The Sharks have allowed five or more goals in every game, and both goaltenders have sub-.880 save percentages. Pittsburgh’s offense is improving, scoring four or more in three of five games, and the special teams remain productive. Even if the Penguins maintain puck possession, San Jose’s power play has enough talent to chip in a goal or two. Expect a high-tempo matchup where Pittsburgh will win and push the total over 6.5.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
