After a 6-3 drubbing at the hands of the Coyotes to start their season, both the Kings and the Coyotes have had success. Coming into this game, they were tied at the top of the Pacific Division with 12 points each. The Coyotes have been perhaps the biggest surprise in the NHL with their ability to succeed where nobody expected them to. Their turmoil off the ice has been a huge distraction for the organization, but clearly it has not affected the product on the ice. Regardless, the Kings were heading to Phoenix (technically Glendale) to take on Coyotes in this match.
One thing appears clear. The Kings are going to have momre fans die this year as a result of the stress they’re putting on their fans. Even when they dominate the majority of the game, they still manage to make the game close. After jumping out to a 4-2 lead in the third period, the Kings let Phoenix back into the game. The Coyotes closed the gap to 4-3, with nearly ten minutes to play. Ensuring that the Kings fans would have a good ten minutes of high-pressure anxiety. Could they close it out? Was this going to be a repeat of the Dallas game, where they’d let another division rival escape with a point? Would they collapse entirely and give up both points? Nope. The Kings buckled down, and held on when it counted. Giving them yet another win, and allowing them to maintain pace with the Dallas Stars at the top of the Pacific.
One bright spot in the game (in addition to Kopitar putting himself in control of the NHL Points race), was Scott Parse. Called up from Manchester after leading the Monarchs in scoring early in the season, Parse had something to prove. He was not dressed for any of the exhibition games for the Kings this season before being sent down to the AHL. Obviously the logjam of offensive talent on the Kings can be blamed, but regardless, Parse came back to LA with something to prove. In general his play was quite impressive. He scored his first NHL point with an assist on a Stoll goal, when he served up a beautiful assist across the crease. His play otherwise was solid, if not terribly noteworthy. Although to be fair, not having much to note is probably not a bad compliment for a young winger.
Up Next: Columbus Blue Jackets