Preview: Sharks, Kings Meet in Pacific Division Clash LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — Two Pacific Division rivals seeking consistency will meet Wednesday when the San Jose Sharks visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. The Sharks (20-21-0) arrive after a 7-3 home loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday halted a modest positive run. Prior to that defeat, San Jose had won five of its previous seven games. Forward Jeff Skinner, who had two assists in the loss to the Lightning, has been a key contributor. In his last 10 games, Skinner has recorded three goals and four assists. The Kings (18-23-0) have shown signs of life with back-to-back victories, including a 4-2 win over Minnesota on Monday. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to start after making 33 saves in that contest. Kuemper has won his last two starts, stopping 57 of 63 shots. This is the third meeting this season between the teams. The Sharks won the most recent matchup 4-3 in a shootout on Nov. 20 in San Jose, after the Kings earned a 4-3 regulation win on Oct. 28, also in San Jose. Both clubs sit outside a playoff position in the Western Conference. The Sharks have struggled defensively, allowing four or more goals in four of their last six games. The Kings have had offensive droughts, scoring two or fewer goals in seven of their last 13 contests. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is Kings 3, Sharks 2. For San Jose, secondary scoring behind Skinner will be crucial. Rookie center Macklin Celebrini, who had an assist against Tampa Bay, and defenseman Timothy Liljegren, who had two assists in that game, are among those needing to provide support. Los Angeles will look to continue its momentum before embarking on a four-game road trip starting Friday in Winnipeg. Forward Andrei Kuzmenko, who had a goal and an assist Monday, is part of a Kings attack that must challenge San Jose’s vulnerable defense. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.