LOS ANGELES -- Game 1 of this highly anticipated San Jose Sharks-Los Angeles Kings series goes Thursday night, 10:30 p.m. ET, at Staples Center. Here’s what to watch for:
Forget 2014: Since the moment the Sharks drew the Kings last Sunday for the opening round of the playoffs, the theme among fans and media has been the motivational monster that San Jose no doubt has in wanting to avenge what transpired when the Sharks blew a 3-0 series lead to the Kings in 2014.
Thing is, Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer wasn’t around here two years ago and has no interest in dipping into that history to motivate his players.