Kings-Coyotes Preview: Pacific Points
by Niesy on Dec 26, 2011 2:40 PM PST
in Game Previews
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PrintSince we last met the Phoenix Coyotes...
INJURED: The lineup hasen't been posted, but several 'Yotes are questionable for tonight. Goalie Mike Smith missed the last couple of games with a groin injury, so our old friend Jason Labarbera is the probable starter. Second line center Martin Hanzal took a stick to the face from David Backes in the third period of their last game, and will be evaluated. As he is usually matched up against Anze Kopitar, that would be a big loss for Phoenix.
If Hanzal doesn't play, I'd expect Cal O'Reilly to see more ice time. This playmaking center, recently acquired from the Preds, is finally on a hot streak with four points in his last five games.
Further Reading: Five For Howling
IN/OUT for the Kings: Martinez, Loktionov, and Drewiske appear to be the scratches. Trent Hunter remains on the fourth line.
Though goal scoring remains a concern, and the team was shelled in the shot war against SJ (with the exception of Greene and Johnson, who excelled against Handzus' line), they did eke out a point. That's 1-0-1 for the Sutter Era. At least the power play, which apparently cannot function without Mike Richards (8%, guys? Really?), doesn't have to do without him any longer.
It's only December, but every game is now crucial. Phoenix is an excellent road team that will be prepared to fight just as hard. We're in for a long season of nailbiting.
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Kings have a poor record against teams that play with speed through the puck and depend on system speed more than actual foot speed. Foot speed is easier to defend because the guy with the puck has the speed. Covering speed on guys without the puck is harder because it calls for activating when your away from the puck so that your not out of position once they do get it. System vs reaction.
Hope the Kings start getting ahead of the play tonight instead of waiting till it happens then reacting.
They also need to stop being so passive to the outside to protect the middle in the defensive zone. Take the puck carrier all the way into the boards, seal and pin. Don’t let them have any room to cycle, and don’t let them beat you off the boards away from the puck.
Better flow, and transition through the neutral zone also.
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