The San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings meet up tonight in Game 4 of their First Round NHL Playoffs series. The game is scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network. Currently the odds for the game have the Kings favored to hold off elimination.
San Jose has dominated every facet of this series, racing out to a 3-0 lead with the option to eliminate the Los Angeles Kings tonight. The Sharks have been scoring goals at will in this series, holding a 17-8 advantage in the three games combined. That's not how the want Kings wanted the opening three games to go and now they'll look to find a way to get it done tonight and keep playing this season.
The Sharks believe they can win the Stanley Cup this season and they are showcasing why, making an example out of the LA Kings. Historically the Sharks have always come up short in the playoffs with very good teams, but opening the post season with a sweep over a rival would certainly have their expectations high. San Jose is just dominating this series, out-hitting, out-playing and out-hustling the Kings on every possession. The Shark's first trip to the Western Conference finals came back in 2004 and San Jose has won 10 playoff series and made the conference finals three times since that season. San Jose has missed the playoffs just once since 1997.
Los Angeles won the Cup just a few years ago, so it's not like the Sharks are beating up on a newcomer to the post season. Jonathan Quick is one of the best goalies in the league but he's looked horrendous by allowing the 17 San Jose goals. Patrick Marleau notched his fourth career post season overtime winning goal, tying him with Jaromir Jagr for the most among active players.
Los Angeles needs to circle the wagons and find a way to win this game tonight. They've been embarrassed so far this post season and for such a veteran and playoff experienced team, it's a bad spot for the Kings. But they can use those players to help them get a victory in this one to help avoid beginning their pose season this quick.
We like Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards to have big games. Los Angeles hasn't trailed a playoff series 3-0 since the 2000 season. Only three teams in NHL Playoff history have come back from the spot they're in, but without a victory their season is over.
Tonight we expect Quick to have a monster game and keep his team alive.
Free Pick: Los Angeles 3, San Jose 2
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