The San Jose Sharks return from the Christmas break riding a five-game losing streak as they visit the Los Angeles Kings.

The San Jose Sharks (9-22-3) return from the Christmas break riding a five-game losing streak as they visit the Los Angeles Kings (19-7-4).

Mackenzie Blackwood has started the last two games for the Sharks but has struggled. Kaapo Kahkonen has been playing better lately and could get the start tonight. In six games in December, Kahkonen has a .914 save % and a 2.93 GAA. 

Calen Addison was a game-time decision against the Vancouver Canucks and could return to the lineup tonight. 

Sharks head coach David Quinn has discussed the team constantly "cheating for offense." The Kings will eat the Sharks alive if that trend continues. 

"I thought as the game went on, we cheated for offense," Quinn said after the Sharks loss to the Arizona Coyotes. "I think when you haven't been scoring goals, that's what happens. It's too bad because I thought we had a lot of energy. I thought our first period was good."

The San Jose Sharks lost to the Kings 4-1 on Dec. 19. Kahkonen started and made 33 saves.

"I thought we had a good first period, and then we stunk for two periods," Quinn said after their loss to the Kings. "That was men amongst boys in the second and third periods. I thought they were quicker and [had] more conviction. [They were] more physical. That second goal really deflated us."

Sharks projected lines:

Eklund-Hertl-Zadina
Duclair-Granlund-Zetterlund
Hoffman-Kunin-Barabanov
Labanc-Studnicka-Bailey

Ferraro-Burroughs
Okhotiuk-Rutta
Thrun-Addison

Kahkonen
Blackwood

Alexander Barabanov was sick and missed the last two games. He took part in line rushes at the morning skate. 

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. PST and can be seen on NBC Sports California or the Sharks Audio Network. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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