Kings–Sharks Rivalry
A California clash born from division rivalry and playoff drama.
The Kings–Sharks rivalry is a National Hockey League (NHL) rivalry between the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. The two teams have played in the same division ever since the Sharks began play in the 1991–92 season. They were in the Smythe Division from 1991 to 1993 and have been in the Pacific Division ever since. This rivalry stems from the fact that both teams are located in the state of California, as well as the other professional sports rivalries between Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, namely Dodgers–Giants, 49ers–Rams, Lakers–Warriors, and Earthquakes–Galaxy. The rivalry reached a boiling point in the early-to-mid 2010s, with Los Angeles and San Jose meeting in the playoffs four times in a span of six years, as well as one of the two teams appearing in six of seven conference finals from 2010 to 2016.
Quick Facts
- Kings stanley cups
- 2 (2012, 2014)
- Sharks stanley cups
- 0
- Sharks nhl entry
- 1991 (expansion franchise)
- Kings original founding
- 1967 (as Minnesota North Stars; relocated to Los Angeles 1993)
- Shared division
- Pacific Division
- Notable sharks record
- Patrick Marleau – NHL record for most career games played
Lore & Background
Early history: From 1991 to April 4, 2011, San Jose won 59 games and Los Angeles won 50 games. They tied seven times, all prior to the 2004–05 NHL lockout. A notable early moment came late during the 1993–94 season, when all three California teams – the Kings, Sharks, and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim – battled for the eighth and final playoff spot. On March 20, 1994, Wayne Gretzky scored the 800th goal of his career by stealing the puck from Sharks defenseman Sandis Ozolins and backhanding it through the legs of goaltender Arturs Irbe.
Later, with the Sharks leading 6–5 in the final minute, Gretzky jammed a rebound past Irbe for his second goal and the 801st of his career, tying Gordie Howe for the most career goals and the game at 6–6. The game ended as a 6–6 tie. On April 2, the Sharks' 7–4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, combined with a 5–3 Kings loss to the Edmonton Oilers, eliminated the Kings from playoff contention. Three days later, the Sharks defeated the Kings 2–1 in Los Angeles to officially clinch their first-ever playoff berth. 2010–present: The rivalry heated up in 2010–11, with the Kings and Sharks meeting in the playoffs for the first time.
The Sharks won the Pacific Division title and earned the second seed, while the Kings earned the seventh seed. The Sharks won the series 4–2. In 2013, the Kings and Sharks met in the conference semifinals. The Kings won the series 4–3, with the home team winning every game.
In 2014, San Jose and Los Angeles finished second and third in the Pacific Division, setting up the third overall meeting between the two rivals.
Reader's Guide
The rivalry is defined by the teams' shared division history and frequent playoff meetings in the 2010s. Key moments include the 1993–94 season battle for the playoffs, Gretzky's 801st goal, and the playoff series in 2011, 2013, and 2014.
Did You Know?
- Wayne Gretzky tied Gordie Howe's all-time goals record of 801 during a 6–6 tie against the Sharks on March 20, 1994.
- The Sharks clinched their first-ever playoff berth by defeating the Kings 2–1 on April 5, 1994.
- In the 2013 playoff series, the home team won every game, including all 11 games between the two teams that season.
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