Kings vs. Sharks: Preview & Key Storylines

The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks renew their intense California rivalry on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM Pacific at the SAP Center. Both teams enter this matchup with similar records, making this a crucial battle in the Pacific Division. As the Kings begin a stretch of eight consecutive games in California, all eyes are on significant lineup adjustments and key player narratives shaping this divisional showdown.

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

The Kings (10-6-4) and Sharks (9-8-3) come into this game with nearly identical records, highlighting the tight competitiveness of the Pacific Division. Los Angeles secured a 4-3 victory in their last meeting, with defenseman Brandt Clarke burying the game-winner. Corey Perry continues his dominance against San Jose, tallying 31 career goals and 59 points against the Sharks – his highest totals against any NHL opponent. Meanwhile, Clarke maintains a point-per-game pace (6 points in 6 games) against San Jose.

Kings' Major Shakeup: New Lines and Power Play

Head Coach Jim Hiller is implementing significant changes to ignite the Kings' offense, which has managed just one goal in each of the last two games. The biggest adjustment moves star center Quinton Byfield to the top line with Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe – the first time this trio has started a game together this season. "Maybe a shake up is good for everybody," Kempe stated, emphasizing the potential offensive upside.

The trickle-down effect creates a potent second line featuring Anze Kopitar between Trevor Moore and returning winger Andrei Kuzmenko. Kuzmenko, who was a healthy scratch for three games, makes his comeback after what Coach Hiller called a "reset" following a slow start. "Just do his thing," Hiller urged the skilled forward. "We know what Kuzy can do." Moore, typically paired with Phillip Danault, also embraces the change: "Change is good sometimes, and I’ll get a chance to go with Kopi, which is exciting."

Power play units also see changes, with Kuzmenko moving back to the top unit, replacing Byfield. The fourth line reverts to its original configuration: Joel Armia, Alex Turcotte, and Corey Perry, who combined for two goals in their lone previous game together.

Sharks' Momentum and Celebrini's Stardom

The Sharks enter the game riding momentum after a 3-2 overtime victory against Utah, highlighted by rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini's hat trick. Celebrini became the third NHL player this season to reach 30 points, showcasing his elite offensive potential. His chemistry with veteran Alexander Wennberg remains crucial – Wennberg has six points in five career games against the Kings, including four points in three games at SAP Center.

Defensively, the Sharks welcome back John Klingberg and Timothy Liljegren after healthy scratches. Goaltender duo Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic aim to counter Kings' starter Anton Forsberg, who posted his first shutout as a King in his last outing (3-2-1 record, .933 SV% against San Jose).

Key Injuries and Absences

Both teams navigate roster challenges. The Kings placed franchise defenseman Drew Doughty on injured reserve (week-to-week), forcing a reshuffled blue pair with Brandt Clarke now anchoring the second unit. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper rests as Phoenix Copley backs up Forsberg. For the Sharks, Michael Misa and Jeff Skinner remain sidelined by lower-body injuries, while Nick Leddy and Shakir Mukhamadullin are healthy scratches.

"We'd always like to create more offense," Hiller explained. "I think that's where the opportunity lies with our team."

What to Watch For

This clash features multiple compelling narratives: Can the Kings' new line combinations spark a breakout? Will Celebrini continue his historic rookie pace against a Kings defense missing Doughty? And how will the power play changes impact the game's flow? With both teams closely matched and playoff implications looming early, this California rivalry promises intensity and strategic chess moves.