Kings knock Coyotes on their butt in payback rout 4 – 0 LA
By Troy Baker
Well it looked like the rematch from Phoenix but the opposite team had the jump from the opening whistle and Los Angeles rolled to a 4 – 0 victory.
Mar 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov (26) and Phoenix Coyotes center Kyle Chipchura (24) and center Boyd Gordon (15) battle for the puck at the Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Coyotes 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Kings had vengeance in their hearts Monday night and there was not much push back from the Coyotes in their 3rd straight loss in their 3rd of 4 on the road. No rest for the weary as they are right back at it tonight. Same time same channel. Hopefully different results.
This is a hard article to write. One which features no offense and Mike Smith giving up some of the softest goals of his young career. He almost gave one up from center ice. His game has been Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde at times. Maybe Bi-Polar is a better description. One night light out and the next his light bulb stays off.
Many Coyotes fans including myself grow frustrated at the refs, who also where black and white. Some of the calls seem one sided. They are the Spurs for our Suns. For some reason a very soft call is made and the Kings look like Manu Ginobili. Flippy flopping all around. Then while ON the penalty kill the Coyotes get a block that would appear to lead to a break away in which holding, interference, or a myriad of calls could be made…But none were made. It totally frustrates players and coaches.
In the end 4 – 0 is what it is. A few power plays given then a few soft goals boom it is over. The Coyotes are a different team down 2-0 then when they are up 2-0. It is not their style to chase the action and play catch up. Phoenix is a Boa Constrictor. They get a hold of their prey and they squeeze them until the opposition gets desperate and makes fatal mistakes. But hen squeezed they are as soft as they come.
Tonight is a must win as the season could be all but over if they go pointless in this 4 game road trip. Gut check time.