Game Thread: Phoenix Coyotes at Los Angeles Kings 3/17/14 | 10:30pm

[Cobiemonster]

vs.

at

Game Time: 10:30pm EST/7:30pm PST - FS-West​

COYOTES (32-25-11) AT KINGS (38-24-6)

TV: NHLN-CA, FS-A, FS-W

Last 10: Phoenix 5-4-1; Los Angeles 8-2-0

Season series: This is the fourth game between the Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings. The Coyotes have won the past two, allowing one goal.

Big story: The Kings continue a five-game homestand looking for their first win after losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks. The Coyotes need a victory to keep pace with the Dallas Stars, who occupy the second Western Conference wild-card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Team Scope:

Coyotes: Phoenix had a 2-0 first period lead Saturday against the Calgary Flames before needing a power play goal in the third period to secure a 3-2 win. The Coyotes have won three of four but have a tough schedule ahead with a stretch of five games in eight days.

"We're just trying to manage the schedule, catch our breath and also recognizing the urgency of the situation," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "That's what makes [the] playoff push and playoff hockey fun."

A number of the Coyotes' upcoming opponents are fighting for playoff spots, including the Kings.

"For the most part, we control our own destiny. I know if we win every game we are probably in," forward Shane Doan said. "At the same time, we have to take care of the next game. It's a huge game against L.A."

Kings: Los Angeles has lost two straight one-goal games following a season-high eight-game winning streak.

"We have to refocus. We need a good start and [to] be good around the net," Kings forward Marian Gaboroik said after the loss Saturday. "[Phoenix is] a greedy team as well, so it's a big game that we have to get the two points."

Who's hot: Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle has 11 assists in his past 12 games. … Kings defenseman Alec Martinez has a point in six of his past seven games. Center Anze Kopitar had a three-game point streak snapped Saturday.

Injury report: Coyotes defenseman David Schlemko (foot) is out indefinitely. Forward Martin Erat is out at least one week (upper body). Center Martin Hanzal (lower body) did not play Saturday. ... Kings forward Dustin Brown (illness) did not play Saturday and is questionable. Goalie Jonathan Quick (illness) is probable.

Phoenix Coyotes at Los Angeles Kings - 03/17/2014

 

[Cobiemonster]

Kings really need to bounce back tonight and get a win - can't go 0-3 to start a five game homestand

 

[Cobiemonster]

Coyotes score first, 1-0 Phoenix - Kings need to start converting on their chances here

 

[Cobiemonster]

Absolutely lousy so far, what a joke

 

[Cobiemonster]

The harsh reality is that whoever the Kings play in the first round, whether it's the Sharks or Ducks, they'll get ripped apart by either team - this team has no fire, they're disinterested and just go through the motions - they have good players and a good system but they have no fire and just assume they'll get it together - one of these days it's going to come back to bite them and it may be very soon - I'm tired of these bad stretches they have - great teams don't go through bad stretches like this - too inconsistent this season

 

[Cobiemonster]

Tanner Pearson gets a goal, Kings back to within a goal

 

[Cobiemonster]

Gabby! PP goal, 3-2 Kings

 

[Cobiemonster]

Keith Yandle ties it - 3-3 game

 

[Cobiemonster]

nooooooooooooooooooooooooo the puck was in - Coyotes take a 4-3 lead

 

[Cobiemonster]

And that's it - the Coyotes win it 4-3 - Kings struggling again