Game 7 is do or die for both the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks. Most of the Kings' roster has never played in a Game 7 during the Stanley Cup playoffs and after hoisting the trophy last season, they face an early exit this year.
The all-California series has been a grueling set of games for both teams. The Kings carried their road woes with them while the Sharks were dominated by Jonathan Quick in several games. This is new territory for Los Angeles. During last year's playoff run, the Kings never faced a Game 7, going 16-4 overall. The Sharks have remained in the fight and are one win away from reaching the conference finals for the third time in four years.
Throughout the series, the home team has won every game. Home-ice advantage does not seem to mean much, but the Kings are hoping it brings them some necessary luck this time around. The team has 13 consecutive home victories in the past two months while also winning their last seven home playoff games, dating back to last season. The home team has even better odds during this series as they have been the winners the past 15 of 16 matches.
The Sharks were able to get to Game 7 by winning three of the past four games, all by a margin of a goal. Their veteran experience is what is carrying them through the series. Dan Boyle understands the stress of the playoffs, having won a Game 7 three times in his career, while also being a Stanley Cup champion.
Each game has been decided by special teams and goalies. Both the Kings and the Sharks have struggled to defend and score on the power play, something that will need to change in Game 7. Both Quick and Antti Niemi have shined in the series. Niemi is average 1.85 goals-against, while Quick has a 1.54 GAA. The two players could be the x-factor in Tuesday's game.
The Kings will play a Game 7 while their recent championship banner hangs in the rafters of the Staples Center. If they want to get another one, they have to accept that their path will be much different than last year.
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