The Kings and Sharks face each other for the fourth time in the playoffs. Kings have won two series (both seven games), Sharks have won one (six games). Sharks won the 15-16 regular season series 3-2.
NHL Statistics
Sharks twitter list
Twitter list of opponent news
Former Sharks on opponent: GM Dean Lombardi, coach Darryl Sutter
Kings ended the regular season on a bit of a slump (4-5-1 in last ten), losing out on winning the division. The word that comes up in many of the series previews is that the Kings play “heavy,” a factor that many pundits claim will be the difference in the series. Kings led the league in hits with 2495 (30.4/game). And they missed the playoffs last season. They have a few banged up players who may miss the start of the series. They have two Stanley Cups for the franchise.
The Sharks were two games under 0.500 at home, but led the league in wins on the road (including an early season 6-0 road trip). They ended the season on a 5-5-0 run, coming up shy for division lead or even 2nd. The Sharks also missed the playoffs last year. They added a better goalie (tandem) and some veteran experience and leadership. There’s even a new coach.
But what does all that mean for the series? Well, most pundits are picking the series to go to seven games (regardless of the winning team), and one of the most watchable/sexy of the opening round series.
In my heart of hearts, I dream of the Sharks so dominating the Kings they sweep the series, busting the brackets of many.
It will be a hatred-filled, physical series. It could be decided based on quality of depth. (Interesting tidbit — if the Sharks’ AHL franchise, the San Jose Barracuda, make the Calder Cup playoffs, they’ll be facing the Kings’ AHL franchise, the Ontario Reign in the first round. Hatred abounds.) Or the luck of the bouncing puck or (seemingly) capriciousness of officiating. (With the Sharks having the better power play, the Kings may have to be on their best behavior to avoid tempting fate.)
With the majority of (EAST COAST) pundits not late night fans of California hockey, I take a lot of the pundits’ predictions and toss ’em. They are based on stats (e.g., Kings are #1 in hits) and “ancient” (two seasons ago) events. They forget that Sharks thrive in the deep waters, unseen, until they make their killing lunge; so too may these pundits be underestimating what the NHL Sharks have prepared themselves to do this post season.
The Sharks forwards average 6′ 1″, and 202.8 pounds; defense 6′ 2″ and 212.8. The Kings forwards average an inch taller, 4 pounds heavier; their defense about 1/2″ taller, but average three pounds lighter (209.4). Not an overwhelming difference (collectively). Both teams have run the gauntlet of the Western Conference “Group of Death,” as well as the Sharks enduring the most grueling travel schedule of any NHL team this season.
Both teams know the effort it will take in the playoffs, and are willing combatants. It comes down to will vs will on each side, with the physical ability (skill) to do so when the bruises get added on to every shift.
There are times I think the Sharks play better (challenge brings out the competitiveness) when the hits are hard/frequent and the teams well matched. But I know they play the best when it’s every player participating and playing his best. It’ll be up to Captain Pavelski, the Sharks vets/leadership and Coach DeBoer to get that 18+2 cylinder (diesel) engine warmed up and ready to push through the toughest terrain/opponent to be the only team to sixteen wins this season.
Kings may have two Stanley Cups, but discount the Sharks and you’ll be chum.
Links to previews:
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