5 Things to Know: Sharks vs Stars
With Saturday night’s victory over longtime California rivals the Los Angeles Kings, the Sharks will look to continue their winning ways as they head to Dallas for their first road game of the season.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Here are five things to know before this evening’s game.
- Dallas Stars Outlook
On Saturday, October 3, the Stars fell to the Nashville Predators by a score of 2-1. Starting off the game hot, Miro Heiskanen scored just 47 seconds into the first period. But the Predators responded with 2 power play goals of their own, from Steven Stamkos and Nils Hoglander before the first period closed out.
Those would end up being the only goals scored for the rest of the night, as the Stars were unable to solve Predators’ goalie Juuse Saros, who saved 29 of the 30 shots he faced.
Last season, the Stars’ power play ranked second in the league, converting 28.6% of their opportunities. The Sharks should emphasize avoiding any reckless and unnecessary penalties.
Last year, the Stars finished the regular season 50-20-12, good enough for second in the Central, but lost in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Minnesota Wild.
- San Jose Sharks Outlook
Extra time was once again needed in the Sharks’ win over the LA Kings on Saturday. Igor Chernyshov found the back of the net twice, including the OT game-winner, which capped off a three-point night. Tyler Toffoli, Kiefer Sherwood, Nolan Allan, and Jacob Trouba all also scored a goal, while 2026 second overall pick Ivar Stenberg picked up his first NHL point while assisting on Toffoli’s goal.
This is the second game in a row now where the Sharks have given up a multi-goal lead heading into the third period. While the team is still winning games, this young Sharks squad needs to quickly figure out how to hang onto leads and close out games.
Learn more about ways to watch or listen to the game here.
- Undefeated vs. Winless
For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Sharks are undefeated through their first two games. This is an encouraging change of pace considering that in seasons past, the Sharks were often the last winless team to start a season.
On the other end, the Stars have had some unexpected struggles starting off their season 0-2. This is uncharacteristic for a Stars team that has had playoff expectations for the better part of the decade. They have only scored three goals through their first two games and have been unable to convert on their five power play chances.
But it would be unwise to count out the Stars. The Sharks went 1-2-0 against the Stars last season, with their lone win coming in OT. Dallas still possesses an arsenal of weapons with the likes of Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson, and Wyatt Johnston, just to name a few. The Sharks will need to be ready from the drop of the puck and shut down the Stars’ top players to keep their undefeated streak going.
- Sam Dickinson to Make Season Debut
Most Sharks fans had young defenseman Sam Dickinson penciled into their starting lineup for the start of the season. But after a strong preseason and training camp showing from Nolan Allan, along with a so-so performance from Dickinson, Dickinson was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the season.
But during morning skate today in Dallas, Dickinson was skating alongside Trouba and looks like he will replace Allan for tonight’s game.
Allan, despite scoring a goal last game, had a brutal turnover that led to the Kings tying the game late on Saturday. While this may not be the sole reason for coach Ryan Warsofsky’s roster decision, it could indicate that Sharks defensemen may have a shorter leash than in prior seasons, and that mistakes will cost players ice time.
- Sharks Embark on First Road Trip of the Season
The Sharks are heading out on a quick two game road trip that will see them play Dallas tonight, and then the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
The Sharks' road record last season was 18-21-2. For a team with playoff ambitions, this record will need to improve. Tonight will be their first opportunity to show that this group can carry its momentum on the road and continue their winning streak away from SAP Center.
