Sharks, Kings Set for California NHL Showdown

The San Jose Sharks visit the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday in a matchup of two struggling Pacific Division teams; San Jose won their first meeting 5-4 in overtime. Several previews favor the Sharks as road underdogs, pointing to Los Angeles’ 1-4 home record, league-worst penalty kill and weaker projected goaltending, while San Jose has performed better on the road and has a stronger penalty kill. The main concern for San Jose is its recent scoring slump, with just five goals in its last four games, though one preview sees Macklin Celebrini as a potential breakout threat. Los Angeles is still favored by sportsbooks, with the game’s total set at 6.5 goals.