San Jose Sharks Seek Sweep Of Los Angeles Kings: Game Preview
By Eric He
Before the first round series started between the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, many predicted for it to be a close grudge match, probably a seven-gamer. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Before the first round series started between the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, many predicted for it to be a close grudge match, probably a seven-gamer.
Instead, it’s been just the polar opposite. the Sharks have dominated thus far, taking the first three games and having a chance to sweep the Kings with a win on Thursday night at Staples Center.
However, such a feat won’t come easy, at least not on this night. The Kings are now officially in desperation mode, and if there’s one thing about that team, it’s that they will fight until the end.
Also, keep in mind that Game 3 was a much closer and competitive contest than the previous two games, which were blowouts. In Game 3, one might even argue that the Kings outplayed the Sharks, but San Jose was the recipient of several fortuitous bounces, and ended up grinding out a 4-3 victory in overtime.
The numbers are definitely in the Sharks’ favor; only three teams have come back from 3-0 deficits to win the series. But the mere fact that it’s been done before means that the Sharks cannot just expect to take the series; they have to work as if every game is Game 7, and finish off the Kings, preferably tonight.
Injury Report
Sharks: Adam Burish (hand) is out
Kings: None
Probable Lines
SAN JOSE
Forwards
Pavelski-Thornton-Burns
Marleau-Couture-Nieto
Hertl-Sheppard-Wingels
Torres-Desjardins-Brown
Defensemen
Vlasic-Boyle
Stuart-Demers
Hannan-Boyle
Goalies
Niemi
Stalock
LOS ANGELES
Fowards
Gaborik-Kopitar-Williams
Kings-Richards-Carter
Toffoli-Stoll-Brown
Clifford-Lewis-Nolan
Defensemen
Muzzin-Doughty
Regehr-Voynov
Mitchell-Martinez
Goalies
Quick
Jones
Game Info
Opening Faceoff: 7:30 PM PST
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
TV: NBCSN