Number 1: Sharks Playoff Disappointments.
Every hockey fan goes through this every year. San Jose puts up fantastic numbers in the regular season and then fails miserably in the playoffs. This could be the year they get over that hump with the goalie that knocked them out of last years playoffs in Antti Niemi between the pipes.
Number 2: Kopitar M.I.A.
Anze Kopitar is the star of the Los Angeles Kings. Big problem is he is out with an injury. Los Angeles better figure out a way to get by without him because if they can't I don't see this getting past 4.
Number 3: Antti Niemi.
BIG question heading into this postseason for me is "Why was Antti Niemi so good in the playoffs last year?" This year we are going to find out if it was him or if it was the Chicago Blackhawks defense. The Sharks defense is nowhere near the talent of last years Chicago defense. Should be interesting to see how Niemi handles the playoffs with a less impressive defense.
Players to watch: San Jose: Joe Thornton
The new San Jose captain has been known to struggle in the postseason. Last year Joe "Little Joe" Pavelski was more impressive then Joe "Jumbo Joe" Thornton. Joe Thornton needs to have a big series. When players see the captain doing well, they strive to do well.
Los Angeles: Jonathan Quick
The Sharks have one of the most potent offenses in all of the NHL. If they do what they have done all season and average 35 shots a gme, Quick is going to have to be huge for the Kings. If he was one bad game like he did at the end of the season against San Jose, don't be surprised if the Sharks rout them again.
Prediction: Sharks offense will put up goals and L.A. will struggle to keep up without Kopitar and the poor production of Penner. Sharks in 5.
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