The Sharks knew last week they’d be playing the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. Now, they know exactly when the series against the Pacific Division foes will start.

The NHL released first-round playoff schedules on Sunday and the puck will drop on the Sharks-Kings series Thursday in San Jose at 7:30 p.m.

San Jose will also host Game 2 on Sunday. The series shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4 on April 22 and April 24.

Game 5 (April 26) and Game 7 (April 30) would be in San Jose if necessary, while Game 6 (April 28) would be held in Los Angeles if necessary.

The Sharks and Kings were relatively even during the regular season this year, as the Kings won three of the five games the teams played against one another, one of which came in overtime.

This marks the third playoff series between the Sharks and Kings. The Sharks beat the Kings 4-2 in the first round in 2010, while the Kings returned the favor last year 4-3 in the Western Conference semifinals.

— Staff, wire reportHockeyLos Angeles KingsNHLSan Jose Sharks