Since we last played the Dogs…
IN: Our old friend Gilbert “Friend of Bono” Brule. Chris Summers was recalled from the AHL.
OUT: Derek Morris (groin). Taylor Pyatt left the game after an apparent upper body injury in Vancouver. David Schlemko (foot) is out for the season. (That’s too bad. He’s #3 on my list of “Coyotes Names I Most Enjoy Saying Aloud.”)
Possible Coyotes lineup:
Whitney-Hanzal-Vrbata
Korpikoski-Gordon-Doan
Boedker-Langkow-Brule
Torres-Chipchura-Bissonnette
Yandle-Aucoin
Ekman Larsson-Klesla
Summers-Rozsival
Smith
Kings lineup: Martinez out, Drewiske in.
Game outlook: While they were heavily outshot in their win over the Dallas Stars, the good news is that the Kings still managed to keep the scoring chances fairly even (10-9). While they’ll want to generate more shots and chances this time out, that’s pretty amazing.
The Crash Kids Nolan and King are still on the second line, though Sutter reminds them gruffly that every day is a gift. They have infused the lineup with energy and hope. Mike Richards hasn’t looked this great since returning from his concussion, and that can’t be entirely pinned on his former wingers. He, along with the rest of the team, seems to have set a mental reset button.
The Coyotes are going to be feeling even better about themselves, having clawed all the way back into a playoff spot. I expect the usual all out trench war. Mike Smith is hot, too. Jonathan Quick will just have to be hotter than the sun. Go for it.