Overview:
For the second straight season, the San Jose Sharks will open their season on the road against their division rivals, the Los Angeles Kings. As always, it should be an exciting match-up between these two clubs. Last year, the Kings edged out the Sharks in their season series, three games to two, most notably earning a victory against San Jose in the NHL Stadium Series.
San Jose did take the opening night matchup a season ago, as the Sharks blanked the Kings 4-0 in perhaps their best game of the entire season.
Martin Jones will get the start between the pipes as he takes on his former teammates for the first time. This will be a big test for Jones as he looks to continue his strong form from the preseason, where he allowed just three goals in four games. He can make a big first impression on Sharks fans if he can lead them to victory tonight.
Also, the Peter DeBoer era begins, and it will be interesting to see if there are any noticeable differences in the way this team performs. DeBoer wants the Sharks to be a better 5-on-5 team and the Kings will present an early challenge for San Jose to measure up against.
Injuries/Scratches
Sharks: Raffi Torres is out serving his 41-game suspension.
Kings: Matt Greene (upper body) is doubtful. Dwight King (lower body) is out.
Keys to the Game
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1) Everyone Involved
Starting tonight, everyone’s got to be involved in the play. This is the chance for everyone to really shine during the regular season and prove themselves. Get up in the play. Start pressuring the puck and be responsible defensively when the puck goes the other way. In general, hold on to the puck and make solid plays because the Kings don’t like to give it up.
2) Execution
This is going to be key throughout the season, not just tonight. I don’t think I need to say more on that.
3) Fast Start
This San Jose Sharks team gets a fresh start in 2015-16, and a quick start is imperative in building some confidence. The Sharks have an early opportunity, with their first two games coming against their Southern California rivals, to make a statement that this year will be different. Getting off to a fast start in tonight’s game, and the overall season in general, will help set a new tone for this franchise.
TV/Radio Broadcast
TV: NBC Sports Network (NBCSN)
Radio: 98.5 KFOX
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