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San Jose Sharks What To Watch For: The Clash with the Kings

By Lucas Burrell

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Joonas Donskoi #27 of the San Jose Sharks handles the puck against Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Joonas Donskoi #27 of the San Jose Sharks handles the puck against Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 03: Carter Rowney #24 of the Anaheim Ducks and Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks go for the puck at SAP Center on October 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 03: Carter Rowney #24 of the Anaheim Ducks and Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks go for the puck at SAP Center on October 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Evander Kane

Evander Kane started off the regular season with a bang, he netted the first goal of the 2018 – 2019 campaign for the Sharks. He also had a breakaway chance in the 3rd frame that almost broke the game open.

Kane was the San Jose Sharks most effective skater, he was relentless while driving to the net and exhibited his strength in key puck battles along the boards. He drove play from the 3rd line and eventually got inserted in whenever the Sharks were able to create consistent  offensive zone pressure.

The Vancouver native led this Sharks team with 5 shots on goal. Kane seems to be picking up right where he left at the end of the regular season last year. At even-strength Kane can tilt the ice in the Sharks favor at any moment. His game breaking straight line speed and finishing ability stand out on a team that’s been lacking an elite scorers touch.

The underlying stats showed that the 3rd line dominated when they were out on the ice. But Peter DeBoer knew that this Sharks team needed to score desperately and eventually slotted Pavelski at third line center. Expect Suomela to start there again tonight, but don’t be surprised if the coach shuffles the lines in order to produce some goals.

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