The Los Angeles Kings are preparing to play the San Jose Sharks for the second time in three games. They played the Sharks in their home opener on Thursday night in a game they would win 3-2.
Entering this game, the Kings are looking to lock up two points to remain atop the Pacific Division. Meanwhile the Sharks are still in search of their first win on the season and if the Kings want to make sure that doesn't happen, these are three things they need to focus on.
Los Angeles Kings need to limit the penalties
This one shouldn't be a surprise as the Kings have struggled with penalties for most of the season. It was particularly bad against the Sharks as they gave San Jose six power play attempts.
It was one of the big reasons that this game was close because the Kings jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first before the Sharks scored two power play goals. If the Kings don't give the Sharks too many man advantages, this is a game they should control from start to finish.
Get off to a fast start
The Kings did a great job with this in their first meeting as the Kings were able to score three goals in the first period. It would be Jordan Spence who got the scoring started in that game with a goal less than five minutes into the game.
However, it didn't stop there as Warren Foegele put in two more goals before the end of the period. The reason the fast start is pivotal in this game is that their game is the second in a back-to-back for the Sharks as they are on the road against Utah on Monday night.
If the Kings can put pressure on the Sharks early, the hope would be that they run out of gas by the end of the game.
Lead by example
These are the games that the Kings should win, especially in a tight Pacific Division. They have the better roster and they can't afford to not come away with two points.
The Kings will want to set the tone and will need their leaders to do that in Anze Kopitar, Mikey Anderson, and Adrian Kempe. They have a big home matchup the next night against the Vegas Golden Knights but need to take care of business because the Sharks are capable of stealing a win if given the chance.