However the matchups are drawn up, there is a rich history between San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.
Milan Lucic, new to the California rivalry triangle after being traded from Boston to Los Angeles in June 2015, has enjoyed the intensity of these Pacific battles.
"Honestly, it’s awesome, it really is awesome," Lucic told NHL Network.
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"With all three California teams being as good as they are, and the hatred between the three of them, I think it’s made for some real good rivalries and real great games so far throughout the season," he said.
The Kings have been in first place for much of the regular season, but following the All-Star break, San Jose and Anaheim have picked up the pace, making for a tight three-team race for postseason seeding.
"The way things are looking, you know for sure that there’s going to be at least one California playoff series, so I think it goes to show how hockey’s going in the state of California and how much into it the fans are and how much they’re loving it, and personally, it’s great to be a part of it," Lucic added. "I’ve enjoyed that part, I’ve enjoyed the rivalry part as much as I have everything else."
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Lucic, a member of the 2011 Stanley Cup winning Bruins, has 43 points through 66 games with the Kings (16g, 27a). His plus/minus on the year is at +18.
Los Angeles is 1-3-0 against the Ducks this season, and 2-2-0 against the Sharks. The Kings have one game left against each, hosting Anaheim on April 7 and visiting the Sharks a week prior on March 28.
"I don’t think these rivalries get enough credit as they should, because whether it’s in the Honda Center or in the Staples Center, when we play the Ducks, it’s as loud as games I’ve ever been a part of. Being a part of the Montreal – Boston series, and that rivalry, that rivalry has all of the history and all that stuff to go with it, so I don’t think there will ever be one to top that. But this one, it’s pretty close, for how the atmosphere is and how hostile it gets in the crowd and on the ice and all that type of stuff."
