The NHL’s post-break schedule is back in full swing, and all eyes are on the SAP Center in San Jose as the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks face off in their final meeting of the season. This matchup, set for February 26, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, carries extra weight: the Flames currently lead the season series 2-1, and both teams are eager to shake off any rust from the lengthy hiatus.
For Calgary, this game is more than just another notch on the regular season belt. The Flames are looking to close out the season series with authority, having edged out the Sharks in their last encounter on January 31 with a tight 3-2 victory. But the road ahead isn’t exactly paved with gold. Calgary sits 14th in the Western Conference with 52 points (23-27-6), and their record over the last ten games before the break was a middling 4-4-2. Still, the recent win over the Edmonton Oilers injected some much-needed confidence into the squad.
Matt Coronato, who leads the Flames in goals with 14 this season, is expected to be a focal point of the offense. The Flames’ struggles to light the lamp are no secret—they rank dead last in the NHL with just 140 goals scored. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope in their history: when Calgary manages to score four or more goals, they’re nearly unbeatable, riding an incredible streak of 51 straight wins when hitting that mark. The question is, can they find the back of the net often enough to keep that streak alive?
One significant hurdle the Flames must overcome is the absence of Jonathan Huberdeau. The forward, who was shut down for the season due to hip resurfacing surgery, leaves a gaping hole in both the lineup and the powerplay. With Huberdeau on Injured Reserve, the first powerplay unit now features Kadri, Gridin, Coronato, Farabee, and Weegar. It’s a fresh look, but whether it can spark an anemic attack remains to be seen.
On the blue line, Dustin Wolf is the likely starter in goal for Calgary, as indicated by recent practice lines. Wolf has conceded 115 goals this season, sporting a 3.0 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage, which ranks him 33rd in the league. While those numbers are serviceable, the Flames will need him to be sharp, especially against a Sharks team that’s proven to be dangerous at home.
San Jose, meanwhile, has its own set of storylines. The Sharks are 11th in the Western Conference with 58 points (27-24-4) and boast a solid home record of 14-9-3. Their 4-5-1 record in the ten games prior to the break suggests some inconsistency, but the return of Macklin Celebrini has fans buzzing. Celebrini, fresh off a standout Olympic Games, has been nothing short of spectacular this NHL season—he’s fourth in the league in points with 81 (28 goals and 53 assists), and he’s been involved in a staggering 75% of San Jose’s goals. That’s the kind of impact that can change the complexion of a franchise overnight.
There’s still a bit of uncertainty surrounding Celebrini’s status for this matchup, as he’s just returned from Olympic duty. But if he’s in the lineup, Calgary’s defense will have its hands full. According to analysts, "Celebrini had a fantastic Olympic games, and he’s had a great NHL season as well." His presence could be the difference-maker, especially if the Sharks hope to gain ground in the Western Conference playoff race.
In goal, Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to get the nod for San Jose. Nedeljkovic will need to be on his game, particularly if the Flames’ offense finds a spark. The Sharks will also be without Ty Dellandrea (lower body injury), and Tyler Toffoli is listed as day-to-day with a similar issue. On the other side, Calgary is missing Jake Bean (undisclosed) and Samuel Honzek (upper body), adding to their injury woes.
Adding to the intrigue, the betting markets have pegged the Sharks as slight favorites at home, with a moneyline of -130 and a puck line of -1.5 (+185). The Flames, considered underdogs at +110, are looking to play spoiler and prove that their “sell mode” status doesn’t mean they’re rolling over. The over/under for this contest is set at 6.5 goals, with the under favored at -120. Many analysts are expecting a tightly contested game, with one prediction stating, "Both sides could be rusty coming back from a long two-week hiatus, which could lead to a crazy game filled with uncharacteristic mistakes, leading to scoring opportunities." Still, the consensus seems to lean toward a lower-scoring affair.
There are some intriguing player props to watch as well. Matt Coronato is recommended for an anytime goal, given his recent form and team-leading tally. For the Sharks, a multi-point game from Celebrini is on the cards if he suits up, given his outsized role in the offense. Nazem Kadri, another key figure for Calgary, has 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points this season, and he’ll be relied upon to generate offense, especially on the revamped powerplay.
San Jose’s goaltending depth is also worth noting. Yaroslav Askarov, though not expected to start, has played 35 games, allowing 111 goals (3.5 goals-against average) and racking up 886 saves. The Sharks’ ability to keep pucks out of their own net could be a deciding factor, particularly if the Flames struggle to finish their chances.
For those tuning in, the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States and on Sportsnet One and Sportsnet+ in Canada. Fans attending in person can catch the action live at SAP Center, while those at home can follow along via streaming or traditional TV broadcasts. As always, it’s wise to check team social media for the latest lineup updates, especially with key players like Celebrini potentially returning from international play.
With the playoff picture starting to take shape, every point matters. The Sharks, sitting just a handful of points out of the second wildcard spot, are desperate to string together wins. The Flames, meanwhile, are hoping to salvage pride and perhaps play spoiler down the stretch, even as they navigate injuries and a challenging schedule.
As the puck drops in San Jose, anticipation is sky-high. Will the Flames’ incredible four-goal streak continue? Can Celebrini add to his already stellar season and Olympic heroics? One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just another game—it’s a pivotal clash that could have ripple effects across the Western Conference. Fans won’t want to miss a minute of the action as these two teams battle for more than just two points.
With the season series on the line and playoff hopes flickering for both squads, tonight’s contest promises drama, intensity, and the kind of unpredictability that makes NHL hockey so compelling. Stay tuned as the Flames and Sharks write the next chapter in their rivalry under the bright lights of the SAP Center.