Sometimes it's hard to remember that the Los Angeles Kings are the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Jeff Carter had a hat trick for the Kings, who thoroughly beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals Tuesday night at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Jonathan Quick saved all 24 shots he faced for his second shutout of the playoffs, and his 12th since the beginning of the season, both tops in the NHL.
The Kings dispatched the No. 1 seed Vancouver Canucks in five games in the first round of the NHL playoffs, then swept the No. 2 seed St. Louis Blues in round two, and now the Kings are halfway to eliminating the No. 3 seed Coyotes, as the Kings lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.
The victory gave the Kings a 7-0 road record this year in the playoffs, and was their ninth consecutive road win in the postseason, dating back to last year.
Carter scored twice in the second period, then added a power play goal at 12:56 of the third period to complete the hat trick. The Kings bombarded Mike Smith with 40 shots on the night.
Game 3 will be held Thursday night at Staples Center, starting a wild weekend in Los Angeles featuring six playoff games in four days.
For more news and notes on the Kings or the NHL Western Conference Finals, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.
