Sports

Sharks hope to extend home-ice dominance in series vs. Kings and force decisive 7th game

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) deflects a shot during the third period against the San Jose Sharks in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Thursday, May 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan reacts as he watches against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Thursday, May 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Kings won 3-0. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Familiarity with rinks. Loud fans providing a boost of energy. Dictating matchups with the last line change.

Joe Thornton and the San Jose Sharks aren't exactly sure why home teams have been winning games in the NHL playoffs at a clip not seen in more than three decades. They just hope that trend continues for Game 6 on Sunday night when they look to stave off elimination against the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings and force a decisive seventh game. Then they can try to figure out how to stop it.

The home team has won all five games of this series so far with the Kings holding a 3-2 edge. In fact, the home team has won all nine games between these teams this year.