Coyotes host Kings in mid season test. Preview Part I

Well as the old saying goes: You’re only as good as your last outing.

Jan. 26, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) fights Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards (10) during the third period at Jobing.com Arena. The Kings beat the Coyotes 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix is currently sniffing the skates of the contenders half way through this shortened season. No room for mistakes at this point. Every win is a 4 point swing in the Western Conference. A 3 game win streak can propel you into the top half of the playoff seedings while a few losses can end your post season hopes.

The Coyotes are struggling with their identity this season.  Who are they? The tough defensive minded squad led by Dave Tippett at one end and Mike Smith at the other end? Or the turnover prone machine who gives up 6 goals in a game while having so many penalties frustration wins, Desert Dawgs lose.

LA is quickly become the bitter rival we love to hate. Never thought I would hate a team more than Detroit. The Red Wings will always suck. But what is there to like about LA and the Queens who flop and cry with the worst captain in all of hockey Dustin Brown. His own teammates may not even like him. We hate him here in Arizona. A smug punk ass is my favorite nickname for him. That came from an older woman who sits in front of me.

It’s been a year that in the eyes of Arizonians, Los Angeles could fall into the ocean and no one here would care. LA stole our beloved captain Steve Nash and eliminated us in brutal fashion from the Western Conference Finals. So until Kobe and Dustin retire, LA will continue to be a bitter rival. Even in the NFL..ok San Fran is close enough to hate as far as rivals. The Dodgers are never good enough to matter.