While next season’s full NHL schedule will not be released until Thursday morning, teams already know who and when they will be playing in their respective season-openers. For the Los Angeles Kings, theirs will be held on Wednesday, October 7 when they play host to the San Jose Sharks.
Just like last season’s opener (and season-finale), the Kings and Sharks will square off at STAPLES Center to kick off the 2015-16 campaign.
With Los Angeles’s epic series comeback over their NorCal rivals in 2014, last year’s season-opener was met with much more anticipation, although for the silver-and-black, it ended with a lackluster 4-0 defeat. This time, the storylines won’t be as riveting as both clubs missed the playoffs this spring. However, the 2015-16 season will be one of redemption for both the Kings and Sharks will be as determined as ever to start their respective years off strong. That especially goes for the home side who, after winning two Stanley Cups in three years, will fight to prove all the doubters that 2014-15 was just a tough year instead of a sign that the franchise is on the decline.
For the record, whoever believes the latter must thoroughly enjoy the art of wishful thinking.
After a six-game preseason book-ended by neutral-site games, the Kings will look to the issues they had last season behind them with a fresh new page turned. Until then, though, fans are hoping that GM Dean Lombardi can put together the best roster possible amidst salary-cap issues currently plaguing the team.
Fans of the silver-and-black already have October 7 circled on their calendars. So, let me finish by asking one question:
Is it October yet?
Source: makewayforthekings.com