Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Implications of LA Kings, Sharks primetime matchup
Share This Post
Comments
Sunday, March 27, 2016 - 6:15pm

At this point, no one would blame San Jose for actively avoiding home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

After all, the Sharks have the fewest home points among postseason contenders in either conference, and they've lost three consecutive games at SAP Center with an opportunity to secure a playoff berth.

It seems ludicrous to consider such a notion, but losing to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night to complete a six-game homestand would give further reason for the Sharks to be content if they remain in third place in the Pacific Division.

San Jose (41-28-6) has been far better away from home this season with its 10 regulation defeats on the road the second fewest in the league. It's been constantly scrutinized for a disappointing home record that sits at 16-18-3 following Saturday's 4-2 loss to Dallas, which came two nights after allowing six goals to an Edmonton team that ranks near the bottom of the NHL in scoring.

[PACIFIC: Lucic: 'Hatred' between LA Kings, Sharks, Ducks great hockey]

Opponents no longer fear coming into the Shark Tank, where San Jose is on the verge of losing 19 games in regulation for the first time since 1997-98 - current Kings coach Darryl Sutter's first of six seasons behind the Sharks' bench.

San Jose is four points behind Anaheim for second in the Pacific and has one of the league's best power plays at 22.1 percent, but it came up empty on six chances against the Stars.

"It was a game where you come back to the room and wonder why you didn't get a couple more goals out there," center Joe Pavelski said. "If you give our PP unit that much time, we have to get one. We have to really find a way to produce, not just chances but goals. We still be to be cleaner."

The Sharks have split four meetings with first-place Los Angeles (45-25-5), but the Kings have won both in San Jose. They've won five of their last six visits there, including Game 7 of their 2014 first-round series that completed a historic comeback after losing the first three games.

Los Angeles dropped all three games on its road trip before returning home and beating Edmonton 6-4 on Saturday. It combined for that many goals in its previous four.

Tyler Toffoli had two goals and two assists, Jeff Carter scored twice and added an assist, and Milan Lucic had three assists in the Kings' best offensive performance since beating Boston 9-2 on Feb. 9.

"With all of the chances that we had in Minnesota and Winnipeg (in the last two games of the trip) and not being able to bury those opportunities, we put a lot of onus on that heading into (Saturday)," Lucic said. "For us, it was a great job offensively to get the goals and make it count."

Jonathan Quick lost all three games on the trip and wasn't at his best Saturday, either. He's allowed nine goals in two starts against the Sharks this season after posting a 1.58 goals-against average in his previous eight against them, including the playoffs.

Martin Jones has a 1.71 GAA in his last 10 starts for San Jose and has been in net for each of the previous four meetings. It's unclear if coach Pete DeBoer with go with Jones or James Reimer, who has two shutouts in five starts since being acquired from Toronto at the trade deadline.

Sharks forward Joonas Donskoi is uncertain after missing Saturday's contest with a lower-body injury.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Curry: Warriors can't get 'wrapped up in pressure' of 73 wins
Highlights: Curry leads Warriors to second straight 67-win season
Do injuries cause Kerr to be less frustrated with sloppy play?
Curry explores adjustments Wizards made from last game in DC

Giants

Giants smack three homers, but get out-slugged by Royals
Bay Area-native Will Venable signs with Phillies
Giants' Righetti offers strong words on Matt Cain's progress
Belt ready to fight back against increased shifts ... with bunts?
Read More

Athletics

A's spring training Day 38: Melvin says Hahn still in picture
Re-examining A's five biggest spring training questions
Coghlan, Phegley homer in A's 9-5 loss to Cubs
AL West bullpen review: How will A's new faces perform?
Read More

Sharks

Instant Replay: Couture's hat trick powers Sharks past Canucks
Shot of the Game: Couture wins battle, flings in go-ahead goal
Morning Skate: Sharks open home-and-home vs reeling Canucks
Braun's standout performance helps Sharks over Kings
Read More

49ers

NFL demands NY publication retract concussion story
Report: 49ers hold private workout for Clemson DE Lawson
Report: 49ers, Browns scheduled to work out Goff
Report: 49ers FA Boldin visiting Washington
Read More

Raiders

Due to concussions, Chiefs safety retires, wants 'sound mind'
Needs remain on Raiders offseason checklist
McKenzie: 'I'm never done', but big-money signings in rearview
Raiders LB Ben Heeney in car accident
Read More

Warriors

Turning point: Warriors end first half with 12-0 run
How are Warriors adjusting to opponents' more physical defense?
Instant Replay: Warriors hold off Wizards, run record to 67-7
Shot of the Game: Warriors protecting the rim
Read More

NCAA

Santa Clara hires Herb Sendek as men's basketball coach
'One that got away,' Haase getting 'second chance' with Stanford
North Carolina beats Notre Dame, draws Syracuse in Final Four
No. 10 seed Syracuse rallies past Virginia, heads to Final Four
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Giants smack three homers, but get out-slugged by Royals
Associated Press

GIANTS VIDEO

Giants Confidential 2016: Romo didn't feel pressure in 2015
Giants Confidential 2016: Romo didn't feel pressure in 2015
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's spring training Day 38: Melvin says Hahn still in picture
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

A's Confidential 2016: Burns 'working on everything' to get better
A's Confidential 2016: Burns 'working on everything' to get better
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Instant Replay: Couture's hat trick powers Sharks past Canucks
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Couture explains how teammates made sure he got hat trick
Couture explains how teammates made sure he got hat trick
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Turning point: Warriors end first half with 12-0 run
CSN Bay Area staff

WARRIORS VIDEO

Curry: Warriors can't get 'wrapped up in pressure' of 73 wins
Curry: Warriors can't get 'wrapped up in pressure' of 73 wins
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Did Karl throw shade after Seth Curry scores career high?
(8)
James Ham

Kings Video

Behind the scenes with Dwayne Wilson, Kings equipment manager
Behind the scenes with Dwayne Wilson, Kings equipment manager
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

NFL demands NY publication retract concussion story
Associated Press

49ers VIDEO

But Seriously: When will health issues hurt NFL's popularity?
But Seriously: When will health issues hurt NFL's popularity?
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Report: 49ers, Browns scheduled to work out Goff
  • 49ers finally identify role for Tank Carradine
  • 49ers kicker Phil Dawson makes a change
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Due to concussions, Chiefs safety retires, wants 'sound mind'
Associated Press

RAIDERS VIDEO

Horrow: Rams-Chargers-Raiders drama far from over
Horrow: Rams-Chargers-Raiders drama far from over
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Mixed bag of results for Quakes during International play
Julio Lara

Quakes Video

Re-tooled Quakes gear up for Sunday's season opener
Re-tooled Quakes gear up for Sunday's season opener
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

A's spring training Day 38: Melvin says Hahn still in picture
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Belt ready to fight back against increased shifts ... with bunts?
(12)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Report: 49ers, Browns scheduled to work out Goff
(14)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Needs remain on Raiders offseason checklist
(11)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Instant Replay: Warriors hold off Wizards, run record to 67-7
(4)
See more >

JAMES HAM

Did Karl throw shade after Seth Curry scores career high?
(8)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Instant Replay: Couture's hat trick powers Sharks past Canucks
See more >

RAY RATTO

Warriors need nine more titles to erase memory of mascot Thunder

WARRIORS AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY

aff

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

SHARKS AUTHENTIC FAN THURSDAY

aft

Buy tickets to Authentic Fan Thursday and receive collector edition cheer cards!



KINGS AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY

more

Buy tickets to Kings Authentic Fan Friday for free giveaways, cheer cards and a chance to be on TV!

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Curry: Warriors can't get 'wrapped up in pressure' of 73 wins
Curry: Warriors can't get 'wrapped up in pressure' of 73 wins
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California