[10:43 PM] Kings @ Sharks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Los Angeles Kings

@ San Jose Sharks

 

Starting Goalies:

Jonathan Quick  (LAK): Unconfirmed

Martin Jones  (SJ): Confirmed

 

Current odds:

Los Angeles Kings: (+120)

San Jose Sharks: (-140)

 

• The San Jose Sharks swam in uncharted waters in 2015-16 by advancing to the Stanley Cup final for the first time in franchise history. After dispatching the Los Angeles Kings in five games in the opening round, the Western Conference champion Sharks will look to rediscover the magic of last season on Wednesday when their pesky Pacific Division rival comes calling in the season opener for both teams.

• Selke Trophy recipient and new captain Anze Kopitar (team-leading 49 assists, 74 points) will look to generate offense with former captain Dustin Brown and ex-Shark Devin Setoguchi, who is working his way back after his career took a detour on the heels of substance abuse. Tyler Toffoli led the club with 31 goals and veteran Jeff Carter is expected to pack a punch on offense, but Los Angeles is in need of more secondary scoring in order to make life easier on goaltender Jonathan Quick (franchise-best 40 wins).

• Martin Jones (37-23-4, six shutouts, 2.27 goals-against average) turned aside 136 of 149 shots to post a 3-1-1 mark against his former team last season. Logan Couture found his form after missing 30 games last season with leg and thigh injuries to erupt for 10 goals and 20 assists in the playoffs. Veteran Joe Thornton (team-leading 63 assists, 82 points) and captain Joe Pavelski (club-best 38 goals) pace a potent offense that finished fourth in goals per contest (2.89) and third in the league in power play (22.5 percent).

• San Jose offseason acquisitions LW Mikkel Boedker (Arizona) and D David Schlemko (New Jersey) each signed four-year contracts on the first day of free agency.

• Kings LW Forward Tanner Pearson will sit out the first contest of a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton D Brandon Davidson during the preseason.

• San Jose struggled at home last season, posting an 18-20-3 mark.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: San Jose Sharks

Confidence: 4/10

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