Game Recap
The Arizona Coyotes have dropped their last two games. After falling 5-2 to the Winnipeg Jets to end their five-game road trip, the Coyotes returned home, where they lost 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings for the third time this season.
It didn’t take long for the game to slip out of hand for the Desert Dogs. Trevor Moore and Anze Kopitar scored in the first 8 minutes 20 seconds, giving the Kings a commanding 2-0 lead.
Things didn’t get much better for the Coyotes in the second period. They did manage to outshot the Kings during the middle frame and get their lone goal, but only after Moore made it 3-0 late in the period.
Lawson Crouse was credited for the goal, which initially looked like it would go to Matias Maccelli. Maccelli was posted in front of the net and was hacking away at the puck, but Crouse got the goal for firing the initial shot.
Down 3-1, the Coyotes would need a massive third period, but they didn’t get it. Goaltender Pheonix Copley stood tall and stopped all 14 Coyotes shots in the final 20 minutes. That, and a final goal from Phillip Danault, sealed the Kings’ win and the Coyotes’ fate.
Arizona certainly had chances throughout the game. They had six power play opportunities and failed to convert on any of them. They had a few really good breakaways in the first half, but they just couldn’t put it home. With so many injuries, the Coyotes needed someone to step up, and they just didn’t get it.
The Kings were always going to be a formidable opponent, even if the Coyotes were completely healthy. But their schedule isn’t going to get much easier from here, so hopefully, they can find a way to get back in the win column.
Lines
Three Stars
- Trevor Moore – 2 goals
- Pheonix Copley – 30 saves on 31 shots
- Anze Kopitar – Goal
Next Game
Arizona will be home again this Wednesday for another game against the St. Louis Blues.