2-on-1: Kings, Sharks, Ducks ... Who's the Best in California?

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Ducks, Kings, Stars

Every week two of our hockey writers debate over one topic: it's the 2-on-1. This week, Susan Slusser and Chris Botta discuss which California team rules.

Chris Botta: The battle for best NHL team in California comes down to two teams for now, but at least the Anaheim Ducks have a recent Stanley Cup for their efforts. Before I ask about the Ducks, there's this: which team is better -- the Los Angeles Kings or the San Jose Sharks?

Susan Slusser: Well, CB, I see the Sharks more often -- and because of that, I'm going to say the Kings. San Jose hasn't seemed to find its stride at all, with inconsistent play on the offensive side and a real need for one more top-notch defensive player. Sharks coach Todd McLellan and some of the key Sharks players have questioned the team's 60-minute effort level too many times already this season, and San Jose is having a tough time winning on the road.

CB: You made a great point right off the bat, Susan. The teams we see the most, we tend to pick on the most. I guess that's human nature. My choice, and it doesn't seem to be the hip one lately in our business, is to go with the Sharks. I know they have flaws -- their failure to finish in the playoffs being the biggest one -- but the Kings are trying to just get to where the Sharks have already been. What is it you like about the Kings?

SS: It was obvious last season that the Kings were going to be the team to watch this season, but the way they jumped out ... wow. They play terrific defense, they have very solid goaltending and they're getting scoring from more than just Anze Kopitar. Is it time for the first reference to Ilya Kovulchuk and how lucky L.A. was not to get him?

 

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