Adam’s Three Keys to the Game: Arizona Coyotes at LA Kings
By Adam Pierce
It is a matinee of hockey for the Arizona Coyotes this afternoon as they travel to Los Angeles, California to take on their Pacific division rival Kings. The Arizona Coyotes come in to this game with a 11-16-4 record to battle the Kings who hold a 16-11-6 history on the year. This marks the first game of the Coyotes three game road trip after coming off a five game home stretch. Here are your three keys to the game: Arizona Coyotes at LA Kings.
1) Keep the Intensity
It’s a rivalry game and these two teams are not fond of each other at all. In fact, they down right hate each other. Staples Center is going to be electric for their hometown favorites but the Coyotes need to match that electricity with their performance on the ice. This will be a physical game on both sides of the puck and the Coyotes need to match every hit and check that LA attempts. With players like Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter, and Matt Greene; the Kings are not afraid to go out of their way to dish out a hit. Shane Doan will need to be consistent with his physical game and with this being his 100th game against the Kings; I do not see this as a problem.
2) Control the Blue Line
The Los Angeles Kings have one of the best point-men in the league with Drew Doughty. They add Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez for a strong core that can keep pucks into opposing team’s zones. Controlling the blue line is crucial to setting up scoring chances and cycling the puck around the net. Arizona holds two of the best offensive defensemen that do that with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Keith Yandle but with a doubtful start from the injured Michael Stone; Connor Murphy will need to play a bigger role at the point. There’s no doubt in my mind that the young-gun Murphy can get this done. Whoever can win the possession battle will come away with a win in Los Angeles.
3) Clear the Crease
Like I said before, the Los Angeles Kings are a physical team and that physicality will be implemented right in front of Devan Dubnyk in net. Anze Kopitar loves to use his size to screen the goaltender and players like Dwight King are not afraid to bump goaltenders either with their scrappy playing styles. The Arizona Coyotes will need to clear the area in front of Dubnyk to reduce obstructions and increase his visibility. Martin Hanzal will need to continue using his size and strength along with Zbynek Michalek to get this done. These two are not afraid to push and shove their way in front of the net to help the goaltender. And yes, Martin Hanzal is en route to LA even after the birth of his new daughter Natalia yesterday.