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San Jose Sharks: Keys To Beating The Kings

By Mike McCareins

Apr 2, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; San Jose Sharks players celebrate after a goal by center Tomas Hertl (48) during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; San Jose Sharks players celebrate after a goal by center Tomas Hertl (48) during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sharks, clearly the underdog headed into round one, are capable of beating the Kings – shown by their three regular season victories over L.A. – but accomplishing these tasks are a must for team teal in order to take the series.

The San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings are preparing to meet for the fourth time in their last six playoff appearances, and as always, there is very little that separates these two teams.

It should be another tight-checking, hard-hitting series that will provide plenty of twists and turns along the way and will likely go the distance. In order for the Sharks to come out on top, here are four keys to the series from a San Jose perspective:

Steal One of the First Two in Los Angeles

The Sharks were the best team on the road in the NHL this season and had the best season away from home in Sharks history (28-10-3). San Jose absolutely cannot come back to the SAP Center down 2-0, especially with their struggles at home this year. If they can take at least one of two at Staples Center, that would boost their confidence and put less pressure on team teal in Games Three and Four.

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Draw Penalties

Unlike many previous seasons, the Kings’ penalty kill unit has not been overly-impressive this year, ranking 15th in the league at 81.4 percent. Meanwhile, team teal scores on 22.5 percent of their power-play opportunities, third-best in the league and the franchise’s best mark since 2010-11. San Jose scored five power-play goals in their three victories over the Kings during the regular season.

Score Twice

Solid goaltending has been a constant for San Jose this season, and they have typically rewarded their respective net minder with a victory after a good performance. The Sharks have won 66 percent of games this season (44 out of 67) when scoring twice. Netting even just two per game is tough to do though against a guy like Jonathan Quick, known for his postseason wonders. Still, San Jose averaged 2.9 goals per game this year, the fourth highest number in the NHL.

Next: Martin Jones Gets the Start in Game One

Play With Confidence

The Kings are a popular pick by experts and fans alike to come out of the Western Conference this year, but San Jose is completely capable of beating them on the road or at home. The Sharks have more depth at the blue line. They have more offensive firepower. They have the two best point-scoring forwards in the series in Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. They have Mr. Playoffs, Joel Ward. Martin Jones’ stats are basically identical to Quick’s this season. The Sharks match the Kings’ talent, and while the rest of the league and its fans may not know that, the Sharks do.

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