Larbarbera perfect as Coyotes are Kings for a day with gritty 3 – 1 win
By Troy Baker
On a night they honored Steve Sullivan for his 1000th game they also banged around Dustin Brown like they hated him. Well they do. WE DO!
Apr. 2, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Brad Richardson (15) tries to pick up his own rebound from Phoenix Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera (1) durign the first period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
From the puck drop the Coyotes looked flat and started making some mistakes that plagued them this season. Instead of doing the things I have cried for like get to the front of the net, pinch in a defensemen, get the puck on net, and hit everyone with the other jersey on they turned it over and played sloppy. All the flat play turned around when Keith Yandle pinched in and went to the front of the net while Kyle Chipchura made a nice hit and centered the puck for the put in. Yandle dances and they accomplish everything I have screamed for. I guess sometimes it’s easier to sit and see what they need to do. Maybe they don’t do it more as not to give up 5 goals a game. Hey I will never second guess Dave Tippett cuz he’s a genius. Love the guy.
The lead was gone on a tricky play where Williams threw a puck on net and it hit Michael Stone and went in. It would be the only goal that Jason LaBarbera would “allow” in a 3 – 1 victory Tuesday night to keep playoff hopes alive.Other than that goal not his fault Jason was perfect.
Mathew Lombardi has been here just a short time this season due to injury but it seems when on the ice he produces and after a great set up from fan fave Rob Klinkhammer, Lombo backhanded far post and in for the game winner and a 2-1 lead. Keith Yandle added a bad angle goal late when the game was still in doubt to ice it for the home team and sent the crowd home happy. A penalty taken shortly after would put Quick back in net and no hat trick for Yandle. As much grief as Keith gets he produces and is much needed on offense. Someone said he needs to move to winger. Maybe but I like that one loose cannon on defense.
This was a do or die game and all of them will feel that way going forward. Everyone Howl!