The Los Angeles Kings will have to play at least one more game in order to clinch a spot in the 2012 Stanley Cup finals. Despite having a chance to sweep the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center, the Kings came out flat and were unable to get anything going against a determined Coyotes team. The outcome was a 2-0 shutout from the Coyotes, who forced a fifth game back in Phoenix with the win.
Shane Doan scored both goals for the Coyotes, lighting the lamp in the first and second periods. The Kings out-shot their opposition on Sunday at 36 to 21, but Mike Smith was simply too good in game four. Jonathan Quick did not have his best game, which was a surprise given how dominant he has been in the playoffs.
The loss was a small hiccup for the Kings, but hardly a heavy blow. They still have three games left to win one game, and while they want to avoid giving the Coyotes the momentum in the series, there is no reason to panic in Los Angeles. The two clubs will meet next on Tuesday night.
For more news and notes on the Kings or the NHL Western Conference Finals, be sure to check out Jewels From The Crown.
