Jones, who came to the Sharks from the Kings in the offseason, earned the nod over James Reimer for Game 1 at least. The tandem split time effectively for San Jose down the stretch.
In his first full season as an NHL starter, Jones posted a record of 37-23-3 with a 2.27 GAA and .918 save percentage.
Reimer, who landed in San Jose via trade from Toronto, started eight games for the Sharks and won six of them, including three shutouts.
As bitter rivals, this series promises to be among the most compelling of the opening round. The two most recently met in the first round of the 2014 playoffs, when the Kings erased a 3-0 Sharks series lead and won in Game 7 en route to a Stanley Cup championship.
The St. Louis Blues are looking to buck their recent trend of first-round playoff eliminations, and the addition of David Backes to the lineup should help.
The Blues captain said Tuesday he feels ready to go for Game 1 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
"I feel good in practice and should be just fine for a hard-fought series for a team that we've got our work cut out for us," Backes told reporters. "We've got a heck of a group here and it's our time to make a real dent in this tournament."
Backes missed the final two games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, but expects to go full tilt on Wednesday night.
"This was my mindset from the get-go, that Game 1 I'd be full bore," he said. "You get the adrenaline running, you can play through a lot of stuff. Even with little to no adrenaline in practice today, I'm feeling well."
The series gets underway Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
After breaking down the West's postseason teams Monday, it's time to shift focus to the Eastern Conference.
The case for and against eight entries from the Atlantic and Pacific divisions:
Washington Capitals
For: From the very outset of the season, this team has checked off all the boxes. The Capitals finished as the second-highest scoring team and were the second-stingiest in terms of goals against. They also had the fourth-best power play and fourth-best penalty kill, churning out the NHL's second-ranked combined special teams. It's really all gravy.
Against: Building an argument against this team is a thankless task, but if you're looking for a start, Washington's middling possession and Braden Holtby's two substandard months through January and February is probably the launching point.
Philadelphia Flyers
For: After splitting duties for most of the season, Steve Mason took on the largest workload among East goalies after Michal Neuvirth went down in early March. And was brilliant. In 17 appearances down the stretch, Mason posted the second-best save clip among those playing meaningful hockey. We also like the fact that Philadelphia has scored the most power-play goals since Shayne Gostisbehere showed up.
Against: Philadelphia required career seasons from Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn, as well as the emergence of Gostisbehere and the power-play efficiency that followed to score enough goals to scrape into the playoffs. Contributions are thin after Philly's big five, which accounted for more than 50 percent of the team's goals.
Pittsburgh Penguins
For: Life is good in the post-Mike Johnston era. Since Mike Sullivan took over coaching duties, the Penguins lead the NHL with 175 goals, and the East with a plus-41 goal differential. They've also controlled shot attempts on par with the Corsi Kings. And, imagine that, Sullivan's emphasis on attacking the opposition has been the Pens' best defense. They've allowed the fifth-fewest scoring chances under his watch.
Against: Pittsburgh's only constant is now its greatest concern. Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray are dealing with head and suspected head injuries, respectively, forcing the recall of the team's fourth goaltender down the depth chart, Tristan Jarry.
New York Rangers
For: For a second straight season, no team tallied more of those all-important even-strength goals than the Rangers, who once again failed to rule over shot attempts. This isn't an exemplary model; they just continue to score more goals in the on-ice situation that dominates playoff hockey.
Against: Ryan McDonagh's absence, for however long it may be, is a massive blow to the Rangers' postseason chances. Their defense is already a major source of frustration for fans. How will that unit hold up without the captain's 30 shifts?
Florida Panthers
For: The argument can be made that Florida is the NHL's best even-strength team - at the very least defensively. Outscoring the competition 159-124, the Cats will carry the best 5-on-5 goal differential into the tournament largely on the merit of their vastly underrated defense and inimitable ability to limit scoring chances. But don't forget 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr, who contributed to this ratio by finishing in a tie for third in 5-on-5 scoring.
Against: So then what held the Panthers back? Special teams. They'll bring the worst combined power play and penalty kill into the playoffs.
New York Islanders
For: It appears as though John Tavares saved his best for last in what's been a down season by his standards. The Islanders captain scored 10 goals and averaged a primary point per game over his last 19 starts, leading the NHL.
Against: The Isles received appreciable contributions in net, placing ninth in total save percentage. It's surprising considering the loss of Jaroslav Halak and reliance on Thomas Greiss, but made downright incredible due to the fact that only the Senators, Canucks, and Avalanche allowed more total scoring chances.
Tampa Bay Lightning
For: He might not have a share of the NHL record at 48 wins, but Ben Bishop was the most efficient puck stopper among Eastern Conference playoff teams. He's the only goalie to place top five in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts, and owns a dazzling .911 shorthanded save clip.
Against: Under normal circumstances (you know, without having their five most important skaters banged up or worse) the Bolts would be considered by most as the class of the Atlantic bracket. But with Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman out, and if Victor Hedman, Tyler Johnson, and Nikita Kucherov (and also Ryan Callahan), are truly hampered by injuries, the Bolts will be punching up in weight, even against the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings
For: Well for one, they can breathe again. That's 25 consecutive postseason appearances, regardless if it was gifted. This doesn't have the look of a team who can contend, but they've already accomplished something special this season. Now they have a favorable matchup, and nothing to lose.
Against: The Red Wings have conceded 85 goals since Petr Mrazek's game came undone about two months ago. Over that stretch, only the Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Flames allowed more. It will be Jimmy Howard and his .906 save percentage in 33 starts in Game 1 for Detroit.
If NHL 16 is right, Alex Ovechkin will soon be hoisting the Stanley Cup.
On the eve of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, EA Sports ran its annual postseason simulation, wherein the Washington Capitals defeated the San Jose Sharks in a seven-game series for the trophy.
Head coach Jack Capuano confirmed Tuesday that Halak won't be available for the Islanders' first-round series, as he's still recovering from a groin injury suffered in March.
In Halak's absence, New York started Thomas Greiss, who endured a minor injury down the stretch, as well. Greiss was solid for the Islanders this season, posting a 23-11-4 record with a 2.36 GAA and .925 save percentage.
Entering the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs as convincing Presidents' Trophy winners - and as the favorites to be the last team standing - the Capitals have adopted a slogan of "Entitled To Nothing." The shirts the slogan is printed on give a distinct rock star/biker vibe.
That these words were uttered by fake U.S. President Frank Underwood in the latest season of "House of Cards" is also very fitting.
The Atlantic Division champion Florida Panthers haven't been to the playoffs a whole lot recently. In fact, they've only reached the postseason once in the past 15 years.
Experience is often linked to playoff success, but that doesn't matter to Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant.
"I don't care if some guys haven't played in the playoffs yet," Gallant told George Richards of the Miami Herald. "They're young guys, so they haven't been there yet. We're a 103-point team, won our division. We're a good hockey team."
Included on the list of Panthers who've yet to compete in the playoffs are Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, and Aaron Ekblad, but if you look through Florida's roster, the veterans surrounding the young core have plenty of postseason games under their belts.
Ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr has won two Stanley Cups, albeit many moons ago. Roberto Luongo was one win away from a ring of his own during his time in Vancouver, while Willie Mitchell - who won't suit up but is a strong influence in the dressing room - and Shawn Thornton have each won hockey's ultimate prize twice.
Panthers general manager Dale Tallon shares Gallant's sentiments in believing Florida's mixture of youth and experience will be just fine.
"We have a young team, a good blend with guys who have won Cups and played in a lot of playoff games," Tallon said. " We're counting on them to pass on the message to our young guys about being focused and elevating their game and their focus and all those things. We have to embrace the process. This is Game 83. We have to keep doing what we're doing, only do it better."
Florida kicks off its first playoff series since 2012 on Thursday when it hosts the New York Islanders.
For only the second time in NHL history, there will be no Canadian teams competing for the Stanley Cup.
Fear not, there are still plenty of reasons to remain affixed on the playoffs.
Here are three for your consideration.
Chase for Triple Gold
Hockey's Triple Gold Club is made up of players who have won Olympic gold, World Championship gold, and the Stanley Cup.
Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins became the 10th member of Canada's contingent after winning WC gold in 2015, joining Patrice Bergeron, Jonathan Toews, Eric Staal, Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Brendan Shanahan, Joe Sakic, and Rob Blake.
These five players have the opportunity to join the club with a Cup win this season:
Player
NHL team
Olympic gold
World Championship gold
Jay Bouwmeester
St. Louis Blues
2014
2003 / 2004
Roberto Luongo
Florida Panthers
2010 / 2014
2003 / 2004
Patrick Marleau
San Jose Sharks
2010 / 2014
2003
Rick Nash
New York Rangers
2010 / 2014
2007
Shea Weber
Nashville Predators
2010 / 2014
2007
Sweden also has nine members, meaning Canada can take the lead if one of these players gets their name on the Cup in 2016.
Hockey is fun, and so are the Panthers
Once the disappointment that comes from realizing one's favorite hockey team isn't all that great fades away, we remember that hockey is a game meant to be enjoyed. In 2016, it's hard to find a team that typifies this reality more than the Florida Panthers.
Roberto Luongo has long been seen as the NHL's social media gem, dropping tweets on the hockey world that are always a must-share. Jaromir Jagr's legend knows no bounds, and, at age 44, he continues to churn out zen quotes and rock a killer mullet. The Panthers also boast a plethora of young, high-end talent due to be showcased on the national stage.
And, of course, there's the rats.
But, as Alex Prewitt of Sports Illustrated writes, what sets this team apart is a truly unique postgame ritual that must be seen to be believed.
But no higher honor exists for the Panthers than their screwball cousin of hard hats and championship belts, postgame awards bestowed in the dressing rooms of more, well, normal clubs. Here, the treasured prize for the player of the game is a blue hoodie, adult size XL, with purple streaks of star clusters across the chest serving as the backdrop for the translucent, disembodied, floating head of actor Kevin Spacey.
Perhaps the Oscar-winning actor will make another appearance at BB&T Center this spring.
Finally, the Panthers are the most Canadian team in the playoffs with no fewer than 16 Canucks on the roster.
No ordinary Joe
If you're not into any of the above, why not root for a great Canadian player in search of his first Cup?
Among active NHL players, Joe Thornton - who has recorded 377 goals and 964 assists in 1,367 regular-season games - ranks second in career points only to Jagr.
On top of that, the San Jose Sharks center has the third-highest career points per game average (0.98) among all Canadians, behind Crosby and Steven Stamkos.
Already a surefire Hall of Famer, the Cup is a big omission from his resume. That he's not vying to be a Triple Gold member speaks to the fact he simply hasn't been available for WC action as a result of leading his teams to the playoffs most springs, up until last season that is.
And don't believe the narrative that Thornton doesn't bring it in the postseason. He ranks 13th among all NHL players in career playoff points with 100 in 132 games, and his 0.76 postseason point per game average is good for eighth among Canadian players.
Jonathan Drouin, who hasn't played a home game for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016, could end up being a difference-maker for the defending Eastern Conference champions.
Suspended by the team on Jan. 20 for failing to report for an AHL game following a trade request made public, the young forward is back with the club and eager to contribute.
"I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. I've got stuff to prove," Drouin said, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "You want to show that you deserve to be in the NHL, you deserve your shot. I have a lot to show the fans and to myself and our team this year."
The 21-year-old scored two goals in two games since being recalled, providing a much-needed boost to an offense devoid of Steven Stamkos' prowess.
Whether the relationship between Drouin and the Lightning can be mended remains to be seen, but even if the trade request still stands, a strong playoff run could turn out to be a win-win.
