Sharks preparing for Ducks or Kings in NHL playoffs

SAN JOSE -- The Sharks don't know who they'll be playing in the first round of the playoffs next month, and may not know until the final day of the regular season.

All things considered, it might not matter. If the Sharks finish second or third in the Pacific Division, a near-certainty at this point, they'll get Anaheim or Los Angeles in the first round. Should the Sharks advance from that series, it's a good bet they'll face the other Southern California team, anyway. Whatever happens, it'll be the start of murderer's row just to get out of the Pacific Division, as of three of the heaviest forechecking teams in the NHL -- the Sharks, Ducks or Kings -- only one will get to the Western Conference final.