The Calgary Flames travel to the SAP Center to face the San Jose Sharks in an important Pacific Division clash on February 26, 2026. Both teams are fighting to stay competitive in the playoff race, making this matchup more important than a regular-season game. San Jose enters as a slight home favorite, but Calgary comes in with a disciplined defensive structure and a strong penalty kill that can make this contest tight. The game also features key individual matchups, especially Nazem Kadri against a Sharks defense that has struggled to control shot volume. With playoff pressure building, this game is expected to be physical, tactical, and closely contested.

Match Information

MatchCalgary Flames vs San Jose SharksDateFebruary 26, 2026Time10:00 PM ETVenueSAP Center, San JoseTV/StreamingESPN+ / Regional BroadcastsMoneylineSharks -125 to -130, Flames +105 to +110Puck LineSharks -1.5 / Flames +1.5Total Goals6.5

Team Form & Recent Performance

San Jose has been slightly more consistent this season and remains in the mix for Pacific contention. The Sharks have a stronger offensive output, but their defense has been unreliable, allowing a high number of shots and goals.

Calgary, on the other hand, has struggled offensively and ranks near the bottom of the league in goals scored. However, their defensive numbers are better, and their penalty kill has been one of their key strengths. Over the last 10 games, both teams have shown mixed form, with neither able to build strong momentum.

CategoryFlamesSharksRecord23–27–627–24–4Last 10 Games4–4–24–5–1Goals For/Game2.53.1Goals Against/Game3.03.5Power Play16.3%20%Penalty Kill88.6%87.2%

The numbers suggest Calgary relies more on structure, while San Jose plays a more open, high-event style.

Key Players to Watch

Calgary Flames Leaders

PlayerGamesGoalsAssistsPointsNazem Kadri56102939Mikael Backlund56122133Matthew Coronato55141529Morgan Frost56121527

San Jose Sharks Leaders

PlayerGamesGoalsAssistsPointsMacklin Celebrini55285381Will Smith42172239Alexander Wennberg55102737Tyler Toffoli55152136

Celebrini and Smith continue to drive San Jose’s offense, while Calgary depends heavily on Kadri and its second-line production.

Player Prop Focus

Nazem Kadri has been one of the most reliable performers against San Jose. His shot volume remains high, and he consistently creates scoring chances.

Player PropTrendKadri Over 2.5 ShotsHit in 9 of last 10 vs SharksKadri Over 0.5 PointsScored in 11 of last 14 H2HCoronato Over 0.5 PointsStrong recent form vs weak defenses

San Jose has allowed one of the highest shot volumes to opposing centers recently, which increases Kadri’s value.

Head-to-Head Trends

Calgary typically generates strong shot numbers against San Jose, and this matchup has often been decided by goaltending and defensive discipline.

H2H InsightDataKadri vs Sharks4.8 shots per game (recent meetings)Sharks DefenseAllows 30.6 shots per gameFlames PK88.6% (strong advantage)Sharks Recent Home Form3.4 GF, 4.3 GA (last 10)

The Sharks’ defensive inconsistency is a key weakness Calgary will look to exploit.

Injury Report

Calgary Flames

Jonathan Huberdeau – Out for season (hip)

Jake Bean – Out

Samuel Honzek – Out (upper body)

San Jose Sharks

Tyler Toffoli – Day-to-day

Ty Dellandrea – Out (lower body)

Calgary continues to deal with long-term injuries, especially in its top-six forward group.

Projected Lineups

Calgary Flames

Sharangovich – Backlund – Coronato
Zary – Kadri – Farabee
Coleman – Frost – Gridin
Lomberg – Beecher – Klapka
Defense: Weegar, Whitecloud, Bahl, Kuznetsov
Goalie: Dustin Wolf

San Jose Sharks

Smith – Celebrini – Sherwood
Kurashev – Wennberg – Graf
Eklund – Misa – Toffoli
Goodrow – Ostapchuk – Reaves
Defense: Ferraro, Klingberg, Liljegren, Orlov
Goalie: Yaroslav Askarov

Betting Trends & Insights

Flames games combine for fewer goals overall compared to the total line.

Sharks allow more goals and shots than league average.

Calgary leads the league in shorthanded goals.

Both teams combine for about 5.6 goals per game, below the 6.5 total.

Best Picks for Flames vs Sharks

MarketPickMoneylineFlames +105 (value underdog)Puck LineFlames +1.5TotalUnder 6.5Player PropKadri Over 2.5 ShotsSame Game AngleKadri Point + Coronato Point

Match Prediction

This game is likely to be closer than the odds suggest. San Jose has the better offensive numbers, but their defensive problems and high shot allowance give Calgary a clear path. If the Flames maintain their structure and penalty kill discipline, they can control the pace and create chances through Kadri’s line.

Predicted Score: Flames 3 – Sharks 2

San Jose may be the home favorite, but Calgary offers better value due to its defensive structure and strong special teams. Expect a tight, low-scoring game where Nazem Kadri plays a key role. The Flames as an underdog, along with the Under and Kadri shot props, are the strongest angles for this matchup.