Unofficial, Unapproved, and Unwanted [Game #16 Preview - SJS]

Who are they? San Jose Sharks (8-5-2)

What do they want? Their first 3-game winning streak of the season and to remind the Kings that the Pacific Division title won't come easy.

What's their ****ing problem? Injured: Derek Joslin (D) Douglas Murray (D) - Sustained a "lower body injury" (blocked a shot with his foot) in the third period in Saturday's game v. Calgary. 

Who the **** do they think they are? The Pacific Division title holders for the last three years.

What, are we supposed to be scared? The top line for the Sharks (Marleau-Thornton-Heatley) have combined for 18 goals. The biggest concern is on the Kings side of the coin: No Ponikarovsky on a third line that would most likely see a lot of time against the Sharks top line. We'll most likely see Brad Richardson (+/- of -2) paired up with Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmonds. Richardson has played on every line so far this season. He's even offered to play goalie should he get the call. Coach Murray hoped it wouldn't come to that. 

"I thought we were friends: GM Dean Lombardi" - Garrett79

PP v. PK: The Sharks have 5th best PP in the league at 23.3% but will go up against the top PK in the league. The Kings have killed 59 of 64 (92.2%) and 22 straight.

Between the pipes: 

Johnathan Bernier

#45 / Goalie / Los Angeles Kings

VS.

Antero Niittymaki

#30 / Goalie / San Jose Sharks

Yeah, well, wait till they get a load of: Brayden Schenn? He accompanied the Kings on their trip north, even sitting in for Dustin Brown on the first line during practice. Brown was dealing with a personal matter at the time but is expected to play in his normal slot. No word on any 4th line changes... yet.

Fun fact of the day: Why is the red center ice line broken? In the days of black and white television it was difficult to differentiate between the red and blue lines, hence the broken red line.

Battle of California previews: Kings Biased - Sharks Biased

Fear the Fin preview here.

*Tip of the Hat:  Dirk Hoag for attempting to help me with these.

*Wag of the Finger: Quisp for putting his job before these previews. Get your priorities straight.