San Jose Sharks battle Los Angeles Kings for supremacy in Pacific Division – NHL Preview
The San Jose Sharks have finally secured a playoff spot in the National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference, but they are still prone to losing that position.
It is essential for Sharks to further strengthen their advantage and a victory against the Los Angeles Kings, who are leading the Pacific Division, might just guarantee a playoff berth for the Sharks.
Kings and Sharks are going to face each other on Thursday, April 05, 2012, at STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California, and the winner is expected to qualify for the playoffs.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Sharks
They are ranked at third spot in the Pacific Division and hold eighth place in the Western Conference with 92 points after 80 games.
Out of their last seven games, Sharks have won five and are currently on a two-game winning streak. Both victories came against Dallas Stars.
In the last game, Sharks and Stars were tied 1-1 after first period, but Sharks scored twice in the second while giving away one goal and took the lead.
In the final period, Sharks increased their lead and scored two goals without conceding any and won the game, 5-2.
Sharks’ coach, Todd McLellan, however, is cautious against getting complacent. He said:
"We can't enjoy this for very long. We've got work to do. Good teams keep their highs and lows at a very even keel and we still have work to do. We cannot let our guard down. That'll be the message again sent to the players."
Kings
Kings are leading the Pacific Division and are ranked at third spot in the Western Conference with 93 points after 80 games.
They can be pushed down to seventh or eighth spot if Sharks win the game.
Kings have won three out of their last four games with the recent victory coming against Edmonton Oilers.
In that victory, Kings’ goaltender, Jonathan Quick, earned a shutout. Quick is well aware of his team’s position and wants his teammates to give their best shot to ensure victories in remaining games of the regular season.
He said after the last win:
"It doesn't matter what our points are. We're not in yet. It doesn't matter where anybody is in the standings. We've got two games left, and we've got to get points."
Predictions
Both teams are equally matched and it is difficult to pick up a winner between the two. However, it is expected that the sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
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