The Sharks have a great opportunity here to steal this game from the Kings fueled, in part, by revenge for blowing a 3-0 playoff series lead to the Kings two seasons ago.

These teams know each other extremely well. Sharks goalie Martin Jones used to play for the Kings. I have a feeling he steps up big-time against his former team. The Sharks have the better offense.

No team was better on the road than San Jose, which posted a 28-10-3 away mark. The Sharks are 25-10 during their past 35 road contests.

The Sharks should received an added boost with the expected return of Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who missed the final 12 games of the regular season with a knee injury.

One of the Kings' strengths is depth with the ability to roll four lines. That can prove an advantage later in the series. But this is Game 1 and both teams are rested. San Jose has outstanding centers. The Sharks can match the Kings' first three lines.