GDT Game 53: Coyotes desperate for a win against the Kings

Game Preview

In the year 2307 hockey fans will be sipping Ganymede Gin and passionately debating rest versus rust. The Arizona Coyotes hadn’t played since January 18th, the Anaheim Ducks played two days prior.

Unfortunately, last night’s game adds more fuel to the rust argument. The Ducks struck first, and the Coyotes again had difficulties in solving John Gibson. And while the Coyotes did get goals from Vinnie Hinostroza and Lawson Crouse, but two goals weren’t enough.

Special teams were probably the biggest killer for the Coyotes. The power play was anemic again, and despite five opportunities, they didn’t convert once. It what may be the final nail in the coffin the Coyotes even gave up a short-handed goal after an errant pass between Antti Raanta and Oliver Ekman-Larsson lead to a turnover and a goal for the Ducks in the final minute of the second period.

Last night’s loss came at a terrible time for the Coyotes. The Vancouver Canucks won and are now five points ahead of the Coyotes. The Calgary Flames also won, giving them a three-point lead on the Desert Dogs.

The Los Angeles Kings are bad this season. With 41 points they are second to last in the league ahead of only the ridiculously terrible Detroit Red Wings. The Kings and Red Wings being at the bottom league should bring a smile to any Coyotes fan’s face.

So far the Kings have only won one game this month, a 5-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings are a major disadvantage though, unlike every other team in the league they don’t get to play against the Kings.

Los Angeles also played last night, so the Coyotes won’t be at a disadvantage tonight. Los Angeles played the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they also lost 4-2. The Kings briefly held the leads, but the Lightning would score four unanswered goals, giving them the win.

Players to Watch

Arizona: Lawson Crouse - Crouse had a goal and an assist against the Ducks giving him a career-high 12 goals this season.

Los Angeles: Alex Iafallo - In his third season with the Kings Iafallo is poised to have a career season. He has two goals in his last three games.

Injuries

Arizona: Darcy Kuemper (questionable, lower body), Barrett Hayton (shoulder), Brad Richardson (questionable, lower body)

Los Angeles: Derek Forbort (questionable, undisclosed), Drew Doughty (undisclosed)

Puck Drop

Tonight’s game in will be in Arizona and will be at 7:30 pm Arizona time. It will air on ESPN+, Fox Sports Arizona, and Fox Sports 910 AM.