The "California Classic" as it's being called pits two teams with similarities (and differences ) in what promise to be exciting and anticipated match-ups.
Let's start with the Los Angeles Kings, they of stingy defence led by the remarkable Drew Doughty, of being one (if not the one) of the hardest hitting teams, of a nimble and superbly skilled not to mention acrobatic netminder in Jonathan Quick, of an offence that likes to take the lead and does not easily relinguish it, of good possession numbers, and whatever one can add to the mix. Isn't it any wonder the Kings won Lord Stanley's silver chalice two years in a row prior to last season. While not a flashy team by any means, but a team that continues to work hard under coach Darryl Sutter and gels the job done,
Now the Sharks. They, of one of the best blueliners (and beards) in the league in Brent Burns, of an offence that's been consistent all season long, particularly the team's go to scorers of the likes of Jumbo Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Pavelski, interspersed by some capable forward lines of a various variety, of an improved goaltending department in Martin Jones and a dependable backup in ex-Leaf James Reimer, a somewhat tight defence, etc., The Sharks have the tools. How well will San Jose utilize them, as they have done during the regular season?
The Sharks have had a penchant for falling off the playoff wagon, over the years when it mattered most. With a tweaked and revamped lineup here and there, it remains to be seen how the Sharks handle the Kings, or is it going to be how the Kings handle the Sharks?
One way to find out... let the "Classic" begin!
Source: THN
