The Los Angeles Kings could be seeing their postseason luck come to an end sooner rather than later. The San Jose Sharks are in command in the first round, taking a 3-0 lead with the hopes of finishing off the Kings in Game 4. The Sharks have had several playoff years end in disappointment and they do not intend for this to be one of them.
The Sharks were uncertain they could totally outplay the Kings considering they have goalie Jonathan quick and the league-leading defensive unit. However, Los Angeles has given up 17 goals in this series, the latest coming in the 4-3 Game 3 as Patrick Marleau knocked in the overtime game winner. Now, the Sharks are poised to put together their second straight first round sweep after they knocked out the Vancouver Canucks in similar fashion last year.
In Game 3, the Kings looked like they might put up a fight in the series after two dismal showings in San Jose. The team opened with two good periods before giving up 23 shots in the third period. They ended up falling in overtime and now risk getting swept away. The Kings have not trailed 0-3 in a playoff series since 2000. In NHL history, only three teams have rallied from that big of a deficit so history is not in the Kings' favor.
Quick is one of the main reasons for the postseason downfall. Traditionally a top goalie, he has an .852 save percentage, ranking him worst in the postseason. He cannot seem to handle San Jose's speed and passing abilities, making him look lost during most of these games. The Kings will have to give this game everything they have if they stand a shot of getting a Game 5.
