Vitals
Los Angeles: (48-28-6) 2nd in Pacific Division
San Jose: (46-30-6) 3rd in Pacific Division
Season Series
The Sharks took three of the five matchups between the California foes this season, including a 5-2 victory on March 28 that clinched their playoff berth.
Looking at the Matchup
The most obvious story line heading into this series is that this is the rematch of the 2014 first-round battle in which San Jose lost a three-games-to-none advantage, and L.A. went on to win the Stanley Cup.
But it should be kept in mind that these are not the same teams that met up two Aprils ago. The Sharks have the deepest roster they have had in many seasons, including a major upgrade in goal between starter Martin Jones and backup James Reimer. While the L.A. squad is known to "turn it up" just before the playoffs start, the Kings enter the postseason after having an up-and-down end of the season, including blowing a lead in their final game to the Winnipeg Jets that aided in bumping them out of first place in the Pacific. That's not to mention injured players both at the top and on the blue line.
Don't be mistaken, though — this series is probably still going to run seven games long.
Quotables
"It’s no secret both teams don’t like each other. Every game we play against the Kings, both buildings are electric, both buildings are tough to play in. They’re just fantastic games to be a part of.” —Joe Thornton, forward, San Jose Sharks ( via Comcast SportsNet California)
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