Arizona Coyotes At LA Kings Keys To The Game

Key #1: Feed off the rivalry

Sep 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Klas Dahlbeck (34) and Los Angeles Kings left wing Michael Mersch (49) battle on the boards in the second period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that these two teams do not like each other at all. The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings have a long history together that reached a boiling point in the 2012 Western Conference Final game years ago. Since then, the Coyotes and Kings have played with a high level of intensity and physicality whenever they do battle. The arena will definitely be an electric atmosphere, so the Coyotes must feed off that added energy.

Physicality within this rivalry will be key to an Arizona Coyotes win. Los Angeles has a few heavy-hitters on the ice with Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty, and Milan Lucic that the team needs to be aware of. Players like Shane Doan, Martin Hanzal, and Zbynek Michalek will need to match the intensity and lay their bodies on the line to make a play.

Things can get out of hand when these two teams play so the Coyotes will need to have a level head. Avoiding idiotic penalties and coincidental minors will give the team an edge. While fights are to be expected, the Arizona Coyotes will need to stay out of the penalty box in this hostile environment.

We look forward to seeing many hits like this one Friday night:

Next: Key Number Two