Tonight is one of those games you look forward to watching all day. We've circled Los Angeles as a legitimate Stanley cup contender since their offseason acquisitions of Simon Gagne and Mike Richards, and even if both San Jose and LA are trailing both Phoenix and Dallas at this juncture, I think it's fair to say that these two teams playing tonight will be the ones who are ultimately competing for the Pacific come March.

In other words, giddyup.

Here's David Pollak of Working The Corners on what to expect from San Jose's lineup tonight:

For a second straight practice, McLellan had Torrey Mitchell back on the third line with Michal Handzus and Jamie McGinn. That moves Marty Havlat back into his customary Top Six slot, though not with his customary linemates there.

Instead, McLellan kept Logan Couture, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski on his top line – no surprise since they scored twice against Nashville – and had Havlat alongside Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau.

It’ll be Antti Niemi in goal, and based on when players came off the ice this morning, Justin Braun and Colin White will be the third D-pairing.

>> Working The Corners

DP also talks to McLellan about different strategies the Sharks utilize when facing different goaltenders as well as some thoughts on the Sharks struggling penalty kill. It's a good read so make sure to check it out.

Other links to tide you over before game time:

• Kevin Kurz of CSN's Sharks Talk breaks down the acquisition of Mike Richards and how it has made Los Angeles a better team.
• The Royal Half tees up tonight's matchup with their standard brand of funny.
• Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider catches up with former Kings center Michal Handzus.
• Puck Daddy highlights Anze Kopitar's new ad against texting while driving.