The NHL playoffs will drop the puck starting Wednesday and with the new playoff format the seedings mean little to nothing concerning the match ups. Lets dig into the No. 4 San Jose Sharks vs. the No. 6 Los Angeles Kings.
Breakdown: Buckle up this one is going to be a slugfest. The Kings and Sharks do not like each other, that we know, but which one of the teams will walk away victorious? These teams have seen each other in three of the last four playoffs, including the Kings seven game victory over the Sharks last season. However, the Kings will not have home ice this time, but they will look to match their 2012 championship team that went 10-1 on the road.
Shark to Watch: Antti Niemi
Niemi has absolutely no room for error considering he is facing off against the great Jonathan Quick in the other net. Niemi had a good season, but some of his stats were down from normal, including save percentage. To beat the Kings, one must outperform Quick and thats where Niemi comes in. The Sharks will get to Quick at some point, but they will be few and far between. Niemi needs to keep the Sharks in the game.
King to Watch: Drew Doughty
When he is is on his game, there isn’t a more complete player on either team. he has such a control over the game and the tempo that he can used in most situations to adjust the speed of the game to the Kings liking. If the Sharks allow him to get going he will have his way with Niemi as well as take some pressure off of Quick
Prediction: Kings in 7
Good teams make the playoffs, but great goaltending will win you a championship, just ask the 2012 Kings. Quick sets his game up to a whole different level come playoff time and thats unfortunate for the Sharks.
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