Arizona Coyotes Continue To Struggle At Home

The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-0. The Coyotes began the game strong, but it didn’t last. The defending Stanley Cup champions had their way with Arizona Thursday night.

Arizona began the game full of energy and played very physical early. They were also able to sustain some offensive zone time. They looked good to start the game, but it would the Kings that scored first. Kyle Chipchura turned the puck over at center ice and Dustin Brown (public enemy number one for Coyotes’ fans) took it in on a breakaway to beat Mike Smith. Arizona answered back really well though. They continued to play fairly well and generated a few quality scoring chances, even hitting the post twice, but couldn’t get a goal. The period ended at a 1-0 Kings’ lead and it was a physical one, as most games against these two teams are.

Arizona was still playing with energy and bringing consistent pressure in the 2^nd. Things were looking fine and the game was still in reach. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t last very long. Dustin Brown scored again to give the Kings a 2-0 lead. After that goal, the Kings seemed to have woken up. They owned the puck and were relentless in the Coyotes’ defensive zone. The Kings’ pressure eventually lead to Kyle Chipchura taking a penalty. Unlike the Coyotes, the Kings took advantage of the power play and scored their 3^rd goal. It was deflected right in front of Mike Smith and he was able to stop most of it, but it slowly trickled in behind him. After that goal, Dave Tippett made a switch, pulling Mike Smith and sending Devan Dubnyk in. Arizona managed to survive the rest of the 2^nd and went into the intermission down 3-0.

Los Angeles continued to control the game in the 3^rd period. They gave Arizona absolutely nothing. No matter how hard the Coyotes tried, they just could not generate anything positive. BJ Crombeen took a penalty that would end up being costly. The Kings cashed in on yet another power play to go up 4-0. What little hope was left, was now gone. Arizona was shutout once again.

Game Notes

• Arizona has now lost six consecutive games at home.
• Arizona has not lost six consecutive home games since 2009.
• Arizona has not scored a goal at home in 172:23.
• Mike Smith started the game, but was pulled in the 2^nd period for Devan Dubnyk.

Goals:

Kings:

• Dustin Brown (5^th, 6^th)
• Jarret Stoll (3^rd)
• Alec Martinez (3^rd)

Three Stars

1. Martin Jones (LA)
2. Dustin Brown (LA)
3. Alec Martinez (LA)