NHL Playoffs 2011: Why San Jose Sharks/LA Kings Series Is Exciting

I won't lie, after watching the first game of this series, I was praying it would end quickly. The game used almost a whole hour to determine a winner, but even with it being so closely matched, it was sleep worthy. 

But the series may be turning into one of the best in the first round, even if it doesn't always seem that way. Here are some reasons why all hockey fans should be excited to watch this series.

Hockey in California

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Rob Scuderi #7 of the Los Angeles Kings fights for position with Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks in the third period of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Stap

This may not be a huge deal, but having three California teams in the playoffs is pretty big, especially when Canada only has two. The other exciting thing is that the two California teams in this series are keeping it close. Having good teams in California should bring more attention to the sport, especially with the California rivalry bringing more interest from California residents.

It's a Close Series

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Willie Mitchell #33 and Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings control the puck away from Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks in game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Many people were expecting the Sharks to put the Kings away and go on their merry way, but the Kings have a ton to say about that. The two games the Sharks have won have been extremely close. This is definitely not an easy series.

Game Three Was Awesome!

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on Ap

How often do you see a team come back from a 4-0 deficit to win 6-5 in overtime? Not often at all. This series is so insane that the Sharks did that in game three.

With that comeback, the Sharks are only the fourth team in playoff history to come back from a four goal deficit and the first since 1985.

It's Not Predictable

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Brad Richardson #15 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates a goal against the San Jose Sharks with teammates in the second period of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at S

Before this series started, everyone would have said that the Sharks should walk over the Kings like they were nothing. That is definitely not the case here; in the game the Kings won, they shut out the Sharks 4-0.  This is not a series where you can pick a winner and be pretty confident they will win.

7 Games? Maybe.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Matt Greene #2 of the Los Angeles Kings fights for possesion of the puck with Torrey Mitchell #17 of the San Jose Sharks in the first period of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup

This series could realistically go to seven games. Neither team is going to stop fighting, and it may be one of those series that needs all seven games to figure out the winner.

The Games Are Close

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SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 14: Devin Setoguchi #16 of the San Jose Sharks cant get his shot pass Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the HP Pavilion on Apri

An exception to this slide is the second game, but the first and third both went into overtime to determine a winner. Any game that is so close that you need overtime to determine a winner is exciting; any game in the playoffs that needs overtime is even better!

More Than It Seems

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SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 14: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks is smothered by his teammates after he scored the winning goal in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup P

While this series wasn't expected to be much, it has turned into possibly one of the best series in the first round. This is definitely not a cut and dry series, and it may bring an upset into the second round. This series is definitely more than it seems. And if the Kings win this series and use the momentum to take them all the way to the Final, "History will be made."