The Los Angeles Kings had plenty of chances on Thursday night, but their goal-scoring woes continued. The Kings fell 1-0 to the Phoenix Coyotes at home on Thursday, the seventh time Los Angeles has been shutout this season. The Kings average an NHL-worst 2.07 goals per game this year.
The first period was essentially a street fight on ice, as both teams combined for 40 penalty minutes, and no goals, in the opening 20 minutes. Anze Kopitar was called for interference on Phoenix goalie Mike Smith, who threw Kopitar down in frustration. The Kings outshot the Coyotes 11-6 in the first period.
The Kings outshot Phoenix in the second period too, 8-5, but the only goal of the period belonged to the Coyotes, as Radim Vrbata scored his 27th goal of the season on the power play with 4:01 remaining in the frame.
Smith saved all 28 shots in the win for Phoenix (28-21-9), who are now tied with the Kings (27-20-11) in the standings with 65 points. Jonathan Quick saved 20 of 21 shots in the loss.
Los Angeles next hosts the Calgary Flames on Saturday night at Staples Center.
For more news and analysis of Kings hockey, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.