Since we last tangled with the San Jose Sharks…
IN: Daniel Winnik
OUT: Jamie McGinn (to Colorado). Tommy Wingels and T.J. Galiardi have upper body injuries. Michal Handzus is day to day.
Enemy Reading: Fear The Fin
Possible lines:
Couture-Thornton-Pavelski
Clowe-Marleau-Havlat
Winnik-Moore-Mitchell
Ferriero-Desjardins-Winchester.
Boyle-Vlasic
Murray-Burns
Braun-Demers
Kings lineup: Expected to be the same, but with Jonathan Quick in net.
As everyone with a pulse is aware, this game is muy importante for both sides. The Kings and Sharks are both deceptively strong teams who are looking to live up to the promise of their rosters and catch the rest of the Western Conference by surprise. Anyone underrating either club down the stretch should be in for a surprise.
The victorious team won’t be able to eliminate their rival tonight–that will probably come down to the last two games of the season. But whichever team takes this three game mini-series is looking good for a playoff spot, and perhaps the Pacific division crown.
The Kings received welcome contributions from the bottom six last time out — Dustin Penner and Kyle Clifford both got beautiful goals past Rinne. The resurgent offense keeps on trucking. What does Darryl Sutter think about all that?
“Take care of ourselves. That’s the way it works.”
Right to the point.