San Jose (46-23-9) is coming off a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. That continued the club’s dominant play, as the Sharks are 7-0-1 in their past eight games. The impressive run comes compliments of a suddenly explosive offense.

The Sharks have cranked out 4.62 goals per game during their eight-game hot streak—well above their season average of 2.94 goals per game. San Jose has scored at least three goals in nine consecutive games, the best active streak in the NHL. Patrick Marleau is absolutely on fire; he scored two goals and added an assist against the Ducks, giving him 25 points in his past 17 games.

And despite playing 33 consecutive games, netminder Antti Niemi shows no signs of slowing down. He hasn’t allowed more than three goals in eight straight games, and he’s given up just three total goals during the Sharks’ current three-game winning streak.

Los Angeles (45-27-6) absolutely must win to keep alive its slim hopes of winning the Pacific Division. The team has won five of its past six games, including a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday. The Kings should be applauded considering the injuries they’re dealing with.

Los Angeles is without Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams—two thirds of their No. 1 line. Dustin Penner is starting to get some flak after struggling since joining the team. Penner was supposed to boost scoring, but he has just two goals and four assists in 15 games with the Kings.

For now, it appears the Kings’ hopes lay with goalie Jonathan Quick. That may not be a bad thing, as Quick is playing his best hockey right now. The youngster has a 1.96 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in his past 10 games. He stopped 24 of 25 shots in the win over Dallas.

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