While the Ducks and Kings rivalry is the first that comes to mind when asked about Ducks rivals, I myself have found the rivalry between the Ducks and the boys in teal to be very intense and must-watch action. Every time they play each other, it seems like it’s just such a gladiatorial battle—big hits, big goals, and bragging rights on the line for each team and fanbase. The all-time regular season series between the two clubs has given us 170 games. The Sharks lead with a record of 83-64-23.
Shot in the arm
Perhaps the biggest boost that was given to the cross-state clash was their playoff series in 2009. It was a hotly contested matchup, with the 8th seed Ducks stunning the Presidents’ Trophy winners by winning the first two games in SJ. Then the Sharks got one back at Honda Center in OT, but not without Anaheim taking Game 4 to head back up north with a 3-1 lead in the series. Sharks came out hard and forced Game 6. Then what happened next was cemented in history as a major moment for the rivalry. Honda Center, packed house, opening faceoff…. Just two seconds in and it was fight night! Captains going at it, Ryan Getzlaf trading shots with Joe Thornton. A spirited bout that saw an electric start to what would end up being a resounding 4-1 win for the good guys. Anaheim clinching the series 4-2.
The era of this rivalry that was truly incredible to take in was the mid-2010s. From about 2013 to 2017, those matchups were always such a blast. Fun to see Anaheim scoring, getting big saves, and prevailing at times. It was also very frustrating to watch the big guys on San Jose do what they did best, getting under the skin of their opposition. Thinking about those lineups is so nostalgic… Getzy, Pears, Fowler, Cogs, etc. Up against guys like Thornton, Marleau, Burns and Pavelski. There have been many OT games, many heartbreaks, and many cheers for sure.
No love lost
One memory I think of in particular was in 2014. John Scott, a known goon, had given a blow to Tim Jackman, another long-time tough guy, with the butt end of his stick after a whistle. Then chaos ensued. This moment, as well as the fight between Getzy and Jumbo Joe, as some call him, are two instances that I feel sum up the rivalry. These guys play into the hate and intensity.
Dark days
Now, fast forward to 2018. Another first-round playoff series. This one is certainly a series to forget for Ducks fans. A sweep by San Jose. The end of a playoff streak for Anaheim and one of the Sharks’ last playoff runs before each team had gone through rough stretches starting in the 2019-20 season. Both sides have been rebuilding over the last half-decade plus. The Ducks do, in recent years have the Sharks' number. In the last five seasons, Anaheim has won 13 of 19 matchups.
With this being said, I have still looked forward to every Ducks-Sharks game over the last several years. While both teams haven’t been great, it was still a game to get up for as a fan. I think of one guy especially in this era. Anthony Stolarz was a Sharks killer in Anaheim. For some reason, he just would NOT lose to the Sharks. He was a cheat code for the Ducks, and that was something really special to behold. I digress, but even with both teams being bad, the rivalry has been entertaining still.
New generation
However, it is worth noting that the Ducks and Sharks are both currently starting to rise in the Pacific Division once again. The Ducks are coming off an awesome season, having themselves a decent playoff run. The Sharks have yet to make the playoffs in the Celebrini era, but they are not far behind Anaheim. As early as 2027, we could very well see both teams at the top of the division, being dominant and showing some real contending potential in the postseason. The young core groups of each team are going to be a force for the next decade. Ducks have Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier (hopefully), Pavel Mintyukov, Jackson Lacombe, and Lukas Dostal, to name a few. The Sharks have players such as Macklin Celebrini, who is very reminiscent of Sidney Crosby, Will Smith, Sam Dickinson, and Yaroslav Askarov in net. I cannot wait to see these teams going at it in 2026-27, and absolutely cannot wait to get another playoff series or two between them in the next decade.
Ducks get one back with the extra attacker. What a play in front by McTavish to find Terry. One goal game in the dying minutes.
— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) December 30, 2025
5-4 Sharks. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/Yff2wO8ln3
When do they play?
The Ducks and Sharks will play each other 4 times in the 2026-27 regular season. Here are the dates:
November 25th in Anaheim, a pre-Thanksgiving matchup.
March 22nd and 24th, a mid-week Home and Home (ANA then SJ)
April 10th in San Jose, Game 82 for each squad. Playoff primer perhaps…
Final thoughts
This rivalry has made being a Ducks fan that much more fun for me. Loving the victories even more, but hating those losses just as much. The history of the rivalry has seen some top-end talent on each side, and now with the youth movement in both cities, we are getting that high-end talent and skill once again. It’s time for the orange-clad Ducks to establish their dominance over the “Future is Teal” group in the Sharks. All I can say is that Fall needs to get here already. Go Ducks!
Add us as a preferred source on Google