{coyotes} COYOTES (32-25-11) AT KINGS (38-24-6)

Sunday, 16 March 2014

{coyotes} COYOTES (32-25-11) AT KINGS (38-24-6)

Breaking Bad, The Final Season - Breaking Bad

Monday, March 17, 2014

10:30 PM ET

COYOTES (32-25-11) AT KINGS (38-24-6)

TV: NHLN-CA, FS-A, FS-W

Last 10: Phoenix 5-4-1; Los Angeles 8-2-0

Season series: This is the fourth game between the Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings. The Coyotes have won the past two, allowing one goal in the two victories.

Big story: The Kings continue a five-game homestand looking for their first win after losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks. The Coyotes need a victory to keep pace with the Dallas Stars, who occupy the second Western Conference wild-card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Team Scope:

Coyotes: Phoenix had a 2-0 first period lead Saturday against the Calgary Flames before needing a power play goal in the third period to secure a 3-2 win. The Coyotes have won three of four, but have a tough schedule ahead with a stretch of five games in eight days.

"We're just trying to manage the schedule, catch our breath and also recognizing the urgency of the situation," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "That's what makes [the] playoff push and playoff hockey fun."

A number of the Coyotes' upcoming opponents are also fighting for playoff spots, including the Kings.

"For the most part, we control our own destiny. I know if we win every game we are probably in," forward Shane Doan said. "At the same time, we have to take care of the next game. It's a huge game against L.A."

Kings: Los Angeles has lost two straight one-goal games following a season-high eight-game winning streak.

"We have to refocus. We need a good start and[to] be good around the net," Kings forward Marian Gaboroik said after the loss Saturday. "[Phoenix is] a greedy team as well, so it's a big game that we have to get the two points."

Who's hot: Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle has 11 assists in his past 12 games. … Kings defenseman Alec Martinez has a point in six of his past seven games. Center Anze Kopitar had a three-game point streak snapped Saturday.

Injury report: Coyotes defenseman David Schlemko (foot) is out indefinitely. Forward Martin Erat is out at least one week (upper body). Center Martin Hanzal (lower body) did not play Saturday. ... Kings forward Dustin Brown (illness) did not play Saturday and is questionable. Goalie Jonathan Quick (illness) is probable.

Team Stats