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Sharks Set to Battle Kings in Los Angeles Showdown

As the San Jose Sharks prepare to face off against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena, fans are eager to see how their team will perform in this upcoming clash. The Sharks have had a challenging run in their recent games, and trends suggest they need to find a way to turn the tide.


Sep 30, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA;  San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning (5) skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game against the Vancouver Canucks, despite scoring four goals and taking 25 shots on goal, the Sharks' defense faltered, allowing seven goals on 26 shots. A concerning statistic for San Jose is their even-strength performance; they scored all four of their goals at even strength but ended up with a minus eleven plus-minus rating. This indicates that while they can score, keeping pucks out of their own net has been an issue.


The power play didn't provide any relief either; despite three opportunities and six shots during those chances, they failed to capitalize. On the flip side, penalty killing was more successful as they didn't allow any power-play goals against them on two occasions.


Looking back further at another recent home game versus the Arizona Coyotes paints a similar picture: San Jose managed only two goals from 31 shots while conceding five from 30 shots by Arizona. Their power play struggled again with just one chance which did not convert into a goal.


However, it's not all doom and gloom for the Sharks. In an earlier encounter with these same Los Angeles Kings at SAP Center at San Jose, although ending in defeat by one goal margin (4-1), there were positives such as successfully converting one out of three power-play opportunities and strong goaltending that saw them make 35 saves on 38 shots.


As we look ahead to this matchup between these Pacific Division rivals, it's clear that special teams could be crucial once again. The Sharks will need improved efficiency both offensively and defensively if they hope to skate away with a win in enemy territory.


Fans can catch all the action live on December 28th at Crypto.com Arena or tune into NBCS-CA channel 698 or BSW channel 692 for TV coverage or ESPN+ for national internet broadcast starting from 3:00 AM UTC (December 27th local time).

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