Coyotes ride perfect storm over Kings 3-0 ; Greiss was Nice with shutout

Talk about a complete game. The Phoenix Coyotes seemed like a determined group that got the message no one is safe.

Jan 28, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes forward Antoine Vermette (50) scores a goal against the Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) and forward Justin Williams (14) in the third period at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

From the drop of the puck the home team steamrolled the visiting Kings. Intensity could be felt throughout jobing.com arena as the hate for Dustin Brown and the Los Angeles Kings was palpable. The Coyotes fired on all cylinders. The penalty kill was stellar again as Antoine Vermette and Lauri Korpikoski have proven a nice duo turning scrappy defense into short handed chances. Vermette stayed red hot scoring on a zany goal to put the ‘Yotes lead out of reach.

Even after the intense start by Phoenix it seemed any moment a loose puck or turnover could give the Kings that demoralizing goal that seems to plague us late in periods. Ollie the Trolley started the night off with a wrister from the point that was well screened and found the back of the net. (About time someone got in front. and he wasn’t done there.)  1-0 Desert Dawgs after one period.

When the Kings decided to get physical after the start of the 2nd period, Nolan went high and hard on Kyle Chipchura, Paul Bissonette went postal as to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!  NO more pushing us around, we don’t want the soft label any longer. Speaking of soft Jonathon Quick gave up an easy one when Ollie took a slapper from the point that looked to have handcuffed Quick and a 2-0 lead for the ‘Yotes followed by the second “He Shoots, He scores, Hey Goalie..You suck!” chant.

The game was really over from that point on as Thomas Greiss stopped what little made it through a stingy Coyotes Defense. 30 saves in all stopping a handful of quality scoring chances but this wasn’t the Kings squad we were used to. Most of the shots coming from the point and no second chances, this was truly Hockey the Hard Way. You have hustle, diving, speedy skating, careful handling out of the zone, and less turnovers and dumb penalties. If only the Coyotes could muster the same hatred and effort on a nightly basis.

Let’s be real for a moment here, this was a tired and struggling Kings team we beat up last night prompting coach Dave Tippett to say: “We caught a team at the right time. That being said, I thought we played the right kind of game to take advantage of it. We kept getting pucks deep. We got lots of pucks at the net. Just a pretty solid game right through our lineup.”

Tippett had to be pleased with the overall effort of the team but maybe most impressed with the fourth line. Every time they were sent out there it was a shot in the arm. Even after a big goal he screamed out “4th line go!” They did not disappoint at all making hits and creating an atmosphere that was contagious. Paul Biznasty answered the challenge without hesitation making for a perfect storm victory over the bitter rivals.

Jan 28, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Thomas Greiss (1) is congratulated by defensemen David Schlemko (6) after defeating the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

That gives Thomas Greiss back to back shutouts over tired back to back playing teams if you remove the 5-3 loss to the Hot Anaheim Ducks in which he was pulled. If the Coyotes play this inspired when they smell the blood of another team you can put Todd Walsh at goal and we will win. It takes a team effort and the defense played the role of a colander with anything trickling through easily seen by Greiss and handled appropriately. Greiss looked more comfortable in net then he was when swimming against the Ducks. This had to be the biggest win of the season for the German net minder.

It’s no secret we hate the Kings probably as much as the dreaded Red Wings so tonight we all pat each other on the back, say how much Dustin Brown is a scum bag, then put this 2 point win in the back pocket and come ready to play another Team USA goalie in Ryan Miller on Thursday. Here’s to hoping they have the same intensity from the puck drop on. Everybody Howl and scream your faces off!  HOWL!!!!         LET’S GO COYOTES!!!!!