Kings at Coyotes - what to watch for w/ Justin Williams

Over the last few seasons, the Phoenix Coyotes have given the Kings fits, largely because of two guys - goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and captain Shane Doan.

The two teams split their season series last year 3-3.

With the help of Justin Williams, Jonathan Quick and Dustin Penner here are some things to watch for tonight when the Kings and Coyotes meet up for the first meeting this season...

- Goaltending:  Williams on Bryzgalov now playing in Philadelphia - "That's a huge loss for them. I always thought he was one of the best goalies in the league. Whenever we played against them, he was always square to the target and he'd never go down unnecessarily and he kept us guessing."

- More on the goaltending:  Quick on Bryzgalov's replacement, Mike Smith (who stopped 54 of the 56 shots in his last two games against the Kings, when he was with Tampa Bay) - "Smith is the wild card. But, we have guys here that were in the East last year, like Gags [Simon Gagne], who I'm sure knows him pretty well. So, he'll be able to help out on that front."

- Outnumbered attacks: Quick added, "They always have four guys up on the rush, they're a really good transition team. They have guys like (Keith) Yandle jumping in and they're good at creating stuff in the offensive zone."

Kings Win, But Still Want More

"Made the playoffs.... Now time to get home ice!" - Dustin Brown's tweet after the game.

No need for a fancy press conference or long extended quotes from the team captain. That statement says it all.

The Kings have been a very workman like group this year. There isn't a flashy superstar carrying the load offensively or a Norris Trophy worthy season being played on the blueline.

It's been a team game, supported by (for the most part) excellent goaltending.

Make the playoffs - check. Now, next on the list, hold onto home ice.

Here are a few post-game notes and the video highlights from last night's 3-2 shootout win over the Phoenix Coyotes...

Los Angeles Kings Players on the 'Other' Trap Game

When you think Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings, it's easy to think about a low scoring affair - especially given the calibre of goaltending on both sides.

Add in some good defensemen for each club and you usually have a recipe for a long night, something Jack Johnson talked about after practice yesterday - saying, "Games against Phoenix are usually, maybe not the most exciting games. It will probably be a trap game, like usual against them. So, it will probably be a low scoring game too. And like usual, it will be a tight checking game."

Regarding the importance of the match-up, forward Ryan Smyth added...

"Obviously, we want to shut them down and we want to keep climbing in the standings. This could be a team that we play against in the playoffs. So, it's important that we not only get a win, but make a statement."

Even though the Kings are coming off an embarrassing loss in San Jose Monday night, he says it's business as usual - "You put that one behind you. Whether you lose 1-0 or 6-1, it doesn't matter. A loss is a loss and you carry forth. We know we have three games left and they're very important."

So, back to the goal totals...

Jeremy Roenick Previews LA Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes

“You could argue about who the greatest American-born hockey player was, but you’re not going to get into any debate without J.R.’s name getting mentioned,” Brian Burke at the 2010 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Gala.

Jeremy Roenick was inducted that night, a recognition for the stamp he put on the game of hockey as a two-time Olympian, seven-time 30-goal-scorer and nine-time NHL All-Star.

Over the course of his 20-year NHL career he played nine seasons in the Pacific Division, including one year in Los Angeles and two stops in Phoenix.

He's always fun to talk hockey with and he was kind enough to make a return visit to MayorsManor for a preview of tonight's critical Kings-Coyotes match-up, mixed in with some highlights and memories too...

MM: Looking back over your career, what was your favorite game against the Kings?