Come on, be honest.
How many of you let out a gigantic groan the other night when Anaheim defeated San Jose? The victory by Anaheim that secured the division title and lined up a Kings-Sharks series for a second straight year and for the third time in the last four years.
I know I did.
But, this is the playoffs, and no matter who you get it's going to be tough.
There is a storied history growing with the Sharks and the Kings now though, and another chapter is going to be added in just about a week as the series kicks off next Wednesday/Friday in San Jose.
In 2012-13 the Kings had to go through the Sharks in a brutal seven game series in which five of the games were separated by one goal. Then there was 2010-11 when the Kings were still perhaps viewed as the little brother to their NorCal neighbors. In stark contrast to the low-scoring nature of the 2012-13 series which saw an aggregate score of 14-10 in favor of Los Angeles, the 2010-11 series was a wide open shootout. In 4 of the 6 games at least one team score 4 or more goals. The series also featured three overtime games.
There has been plenty of drama, plenty of close games, and plenty of disappointment and elation when it comes to the rivalry. There has also been a strange bit of mutual respect though as well. When you talk to Philly fans about the Penguins, it's always with a scowl and nary a positive word about their rivals. Kings fans at least, and I can't speak for all, seem to have a respect for them being an extremely difficult opponent. One that has given the Kings and their fans two nail-biting series of top quality hockey.
So to say I let out a groan when the draw became secure, it was more a groan of "Ugh this is going to be a tough one." and not "Ugh I hate these guys from the pit of my soul."
This year looks like it will be no different.
In the blog I did recently asking if fans would rather see a Sharks/Kings series or a Ducks/Kings series, the Ducks came back as an overwhelming favorite.
I documented that the Sharks-Kings games, despite being 3-1 in favor of the Kings, have essentially been coinflip games with split possession.
It's not always about record when playing match-ups....
Not quite sure #LAKings fans are aware how their team has performed vs #NHLducks this season... surprising http://t.co/52eH1Yqe0W
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 9, 2014The usual suspects come to the forefront, be it Thornton, Couture, Pavelski, or Marleau. There are few unfamiliar faces. There are few secrets.
Also should mention Tomas Hertl is back for the Sharks.
BREAKING: Tomas Hertl has been cleared to return and will play in tonight’s #SJSharks #Avalanche game http://t.co/YvfUCwLwQ1
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzCSN) April 11, 2014So what are you thinking? I'm thinking a seven game series wouldn't be out of the question, maybe a six if someone missteps. The homer in me says, "Absolutely, Kings in six/seven." The realistic one says it's too close to call.
Current Vegas odds have the Kings at a 12-1 favorite to win the cup and the Sharks a 10-1. Anybody's game.
Let's just run down it real quick on a scale of 1-5 on how they match up.
Offense Kings: ** Sharks: ****
Sharks were one of the top offensive teams this season, the Kings were very much not. They have, however, been much better since the Olympic break and since the addition of Marian Gaborik.
Defense Kings: ***** Sharks: ****
Defense is the King bread and butter, but the Sharks have also been very strong this season in both goals against and shots allowed.
Goaltending Kings: ***1/2 Sharks: ***
Niemi and Quick have both had similar years, in that their respective save percentages aren't all that impressive. Quick has the slight upper hand as it currently stands. We all know that both tenders are among the best in the league at their best though.
Special Teams Kings: *** Sharks: ***1/2
Neither team had truly outstanding special teams play this year, although the Sharks have a PK inside the top 10 in the league. Both teams PK and PP have been victim to extreme fluctuation though.
Intangibles Kings: **** Sharks: **
This is the major difference maker for the Kings against the Sharks. Yes, the dreaded intangibles category. Before you scoff though, the Kings hold the season series this year 3-1-1, they beat the Sharks in the last playoff series, and is a team that has an extremely difficult style to match up against in a seven game series. If there is a mental edge to be had in this series it has to go to the Kings. Still, it's tight.
Even by my rudimentary system the series looks as even as can be.
We shall see how even it is when they take the ice next week. All signs point to it being another slugfest though.
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On a somewhat related side note, I am not a fan of the new playoff format for a few reasons.
While it was originally a refreshing idea in my mind, and I like that it will limit travel in the first two rounds... but the playoff matchups have become far too transparent.
The Kings are going to be playing the same...likely two teams in the first two rounds of the playoffs for a decent amount of time in the foreseeable future. I'm all for creating rivalries but I can't ever remember knowing the Kings potential playoff opponents this far in advance. Ever.
Two weeks ago, heck a month ago, everyone seemed to know it was either the Sharks or the Ducks. That has its own positives and negatives, but I've come around to watching the last month of this season with very little true engagement. The games just haven't meant that much with the Kings clinched and knowing essentially that they have one of two possible opponents.
Maybe I will become used to it the more these rivalries grow, but as for right now I'm not feeling it.
Thoughts?
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