Two improbable teams, at least for those handicapping the start of these 2012 playoffs will face off for the Western Conference title this evening, the Los Angeles Kings, the dragon slayers of these playoffs thus far taking on the Phoenix Coyotes, a team which many feel should have long ago been either moved or disbanded.
Such is the strange nature of the NHL some days, teams built with money and star quality fall to the side, while others like the Coyotes, built with bailing wire and held together with gum it seems, show that team play and belief can take you a long ways.
The Kings by virtue of their easy dismissal of the Canucks and then the Blues have knocked off to the two top teams of the NHL West, sticking to coach Darryl Sutter's defensive stylings while adding offensive and relying on the steady goaltending of Jonathan Quick.
A combination of skill sets that took both the Canucks and Blues by surprise and announced the Kings as a force to be reckoned with in this playoff year.
Likewise, the Coyotes have relied on outstanding goaltending, strong defensive play and timely scoring to knock down their competitors one after the other, first Chicago and then Nashville. The latter series one where the Coyotes outplayed the Predators, beating them at a style of their very own, without the added drama of benching players.
Both teams have arrived at the Western final on their own merits, and bring with them a series that will rely heavily on goaltending and perhaps one or two lucky bounces to determine a winner.
Game One-- Los Angeles 4 at Phoenix 2
Los Angeles leads the series 1 game to 0
Previews and Reviews
POST GAME
Los Angeles Times-- Los Angeles Kings' Jonathan Quick remains good despite bad goal
Los Angeles Times-- Dustin Brown keeps Los Angeles Kings sizzling in 4-2 win over Coyotes
Los Angeles Times-- Los Angeles Kings' Dwight King wastes no time against Phoenix
Los Angeles Times-- Kings and Coyotes have overcome a checkered past
Los Angeles Times-- Los Angeles Kings' Mike Richards finds success away from Philadelphia
Los Angeles Daily News-- Goalie is Quick to put mistake behind him
Los Angeles Daily News-- L.A.'s game plan doesn't get desired in victory over Coyotes
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes overpowered by Los Angeles Kings in opener
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes have their work cut out after disheartening Game 1 loss
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes unfazed by late 1 goal deficit in opener against Los Angeles
Arizona Republic-- Connected by Phoenix Coyotes' spirit
Globe and Mail-- Kings cool Coyotes in Game 1
National Post-- Kings overwhelm Coyotes in Game 1 win
PRE GAME
Los Angeles Times-- Kings and Coyotes have overcome a checkered past
Los Angeles Times-- Coyotes and Kings rely on the same strengths
Los Angeles Times-- Kings GM Dean Lombardi: A circuitous career for a circuitous guy
Los Angeles Times-- For Coyotes Coach Dave Tippet, obstacles are nothing new
Los Angeles Times-- Kings know they'll face a Phoenix team much like themselves
Los Angeles Daily News-- Eighth seed Kings see roles reversed heading into conference final ...
Los Angeles Daily News-- Kings fans face playoff reality with NBC and NHL
Los Angeles Daily News-- Kings goalie Quick has gone from unheralded minor leaguer to ...
Los Angeles Daily News-- Kings' final hurdle in West is a familiar foe
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings seek early momentum
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes' Jason LaBarbera awed by Mike Smith's big journey
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes coach Dave Tippet was given Wayne Gretzky's blessing
Globe and Mail-- Coyotes coaches credit lessons learned against 'darn Russians'
Globe and Mail-- After a long layoff, the Kings and Coyotes are ready to start the West final
Globe and Mail-- Western Conference final preview: Phoenix v Los Angeles
Globe and Mail-- The final four: The 81 players still playing for the Stanley Cup
National Post-- Kings, Coyotes expect to get dirty in Western final
National Post-- Kings' Jeff Carter, Mike Richards not looking back
National Post-- NHL Playoffs: Three burning questions on the West final
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