Los Angeles Kings aim to eliminate, Phoenix Coyotes focus on seeing another game -NHL Playoffs Preview
Los Angeles Kings are trying to put their power play issues behind them as they have another chance at eliminating Phoenix while the Coyotes are focusing on seeing another game in the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Western Conference Playoff Finals.
Game 5 should definitely be exciting as the series heads back to the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona, but looking how Coyotes have played at home so far in the Phoenix-Los Angeles contest; it is the Kings that should benefit in theory.
Amazingly, Phoenix managed to kill Los Angeles’ eight game winning streak with their last one being against Vancouver Canucks in Game four of the quarterfinals. Coyotes shutout Los Angeles Kings, 2-0, in Game 4 as they were on the verge of elimination and could quite possibly continue with the same momentum.
"We had no other choice; if we didn't show up yesterday, we wouldn't be talking today," Coyotes forward, Radim Vrbata, said Monday after Phoenix's optional practice. "We're in the same situation tomorrow. We put ourselves in a bad situation, but tomorrow's mindset will be the same: If we lose, there's no other chance to play."
Had Phoenix won by a minor difference, Los Angeles would be expected to go in easily and take the series in five games but seeing how Coyotes completely shut them out all due to the will and might of goalie, Mike Smith, things could finally begin to look up for them.
"Whenever we've needed him all year, in the real big game, he's been unbelievable," Phoenix captain, Shane Doan, said. "There's something special about him that I'm sure glad he's on my team. He's a guy that rises to the occasion. He's fun to have on your team."
Phoenix captain, Shane Doan, also stepped up and put up the two goals in the previous matchup. Los Angeles is having a hard time taking advantage of the numerous power play advantages they get throughout the contest with over 15 chances in the past four matchups failed on.
Game 5 between Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 9:00 PM ET.
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