Coyotes Beat Kings in OT: Points in Four Straight

The Phoenix Coyotes finally found a way to beat the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.  Despite being out shot by the Kings and at times being out played, Phoenix found a way to win the game in extra time.  The Coyotes penalty kill was outstanding and kept the Coyotes in the game.  The Dogs PK unit killed all five penalties called on Phoenix including one called late in the game that extended into overtime. Daymond Langkow scored  with less than aminute left in OT on a deflection off of King's defenseman Jack Johnson's stick.

The first period was a tight checking affair and ended in a 0-0 tie.  The Kings came out ready to run and gun in the second and scored less than 3 minutes into the period on a goal from the left slot by Mike Richards.  However, the Coyotes responded with a goal by Radim Vrbata less than 3 minutes later.  Vrbata scored again late in the period to give the Coyotes a 2-1 lead going into the third period.  Unfortunately, the Dogs recent history of giving up 3rd period leads reared its head again.  Anze Kopitar started a 3 on 2 break that resulted on the Yotes retreating and ultimately giving up a rebound goal to Kopitar.

• Radim Vrbata broke out of his scoring slump by scoring two goals and assisting on Daymond Langkow's game winner. His patience on his first goal to skate around until Quick went down was a sight to behold.
  
• The Raffi Torres we were all hoping had been left in Vancouver reared his head late in the 3rd period when Torres took a dumb interference penalty that could have cost Phoenix the game.
• The key spark to this year's team appears to be the Wizard.  Whatever line he plays on seems to shine.
• Martin Hanzal assisted on both Vrbata's goals.  He now has 6 points in his last four games.
• David Schlemko continues to impress.  His play hasn't been perfect, but for a young guy getting major minutes there has been little to complain about.  His play alongside Rusty Klesla has been a huge bonus for the team given the concerns after Michal Rozsival was forced out of the lineup due to injury.
• Schlemko and Klesla were on the ice for all 3 of the Coyotes goals.
• Mike Smith continues to make sure no one misses Bryz.  He stopped 37 of 39 LA shots.
• As of Sunday morning, Phoenix sits in 6th place in the West with 12 points.