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You are here: Home / contest / Kings v Coyotes: schedule, poll, contest… and a prediction

Kings v Coyotes: schedule, poll, contest… and a prediction

May 13, 2012 By John Hoven


With the Western Conference Finals finally set to begin later today, here’s an all-inclusive kick-off article…

If you missed it late yesterday, the NHL released the full schedule:

Game 1 – Today, 5pm PST at Phoenix — NBC Sports Network, TSN
Game 2 – Tuesday, May 15, 6pm PST at Phoenix — NBC Sports Network, TSN
Game 3 – Thursday, May 17, 6pm PST at Los Angeles – NBC Sports Network, TSN
Game 4 – Sunday, May 20, noon PST at Los Angeles — NBC, CBC
Game 5 – Tuesday, May 22, 6pm PST at Phoenix – NBC Sports Network, CBC
Game 6 – Thursday, May 24, 6pm PST at Los Angeles – NBC Sports Network, CBC
Game 7 – Saturday, May 26, 5pm PST at Phoenix – TBD, CBC

Now for the fun stuff…

First, a poll – who do you think wins this series and in how many games? Then, our traditional First Goal Contest – where you can win an autographed puck from a member of the Kings.  And finally, the MayorsManor overview and prediction.

So, which team do you think wins this series and when?


Tonight’s First Goal Contest

If you’d like to win a Dustin Brown autographed puck, simply leave a comment below with the Kings player you think will score the first goal for LA tonight vs. the Coyotes. Don’t worry if another reader picks ‘your player’ before you do, multiple people can pick the same guy. We’ll pool all correct entries together and randomly pull one winner. When selecting your player though, please keep in mind the Kings are expected to go with the same line-up used for the last few games.  Thus, guys like Kyle Clifford, Kevin Westgarth and Davis Drewiske will be healthy scratches.

And what about a prediction, you ask?

Here goes – this series has all the makings of being a true classic, ala the 1993 Campbell Conference Finals between the Kings and Maple Leafs. Some might not see goalie Mike Smith at the same level as Jonathan Quick, yet don’t fall into that trap. The magic ride for Smith doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit. In fact, in the last round, he outdueled Pekka Rinne – the man many feel is one of the three best goalies in the Western Conference. So, Smith is up for the challenge. He’s a tall guy too, which can cause opposing teams fits.

Offensively, the Kings have the bigger names. However, the Coyotes do just fine with their patchwork offense – and feature several Kings Killers, like Shane Doan, Ray Whitney and Radim Vrbata (who had 7 points in five games vs the Kings this season, including five goals). Secondary scoring is always a hot topic in the playoffs too and teams need to get ‘unexpected’ goals to go on a long run. Last round, the Kings picked up markers from Jordan Nolan (as predicted by Luc Robitaille on the MayorsManor LIVE show) and Dwight King. In round one it was Trevor Lewis finding the back of the net. If the pattern holds true, expect a goal from Colin Fraser this time around.

Behind the bench, coach Darryl Sutter has been a major difference maker for the Kings in the first two rounds. He’s found the perfect balance between motivating and holding his players accountable. He’s also brought a sense of calm and confidence that has worked well up and down the line-up. Here, he’ll face Dave Tippett, one of the game’s best coaches at in-game adjustments. Where other teams have been frustrated when their approach hasn’t worked against the Kings, don’t expect Phoenix to wilt under the pressure. They’ll ride out the period and reemerge looking like a completely different team after intermission.

Overall, this is most likely going to be a long series. It’s going to take the full seven games and we’ll probably even see two games go into overtime – which is something the Kings will need to avoid because the Coyotes have been strong in the extra periods so far this post-season. While every game in the series may be decided by just one goal, they won’t all be low scoring games (i.e. 1-0 or 2-1). You can expect a few 4-3 and even a 5-4 game along the way. It’s going to be a wild ride.

When the smoke clears, expect the Kings to come out on top in seven games. Yes, these two teams are very similar in many ways. However, the Kings have one of the best collective groups of six defensemen in the National Hockey League. That will be the difference in the series.

Remember to submit your guess for tonight’s First Goal Contest. Good luck and enjoy game one!

We’ll be in Phoenix for the next few days, providing live notes and quotes from the games, practices and pre-game skates. Be sure to follow along on twitter for tons of notes and quotes you won’t find anywhere else.

Follow @mayorNHL

Filed Under: contest, Coyotes, HockeyBlog, Kings, NHL, Playoffs, poll, preview Tagged With: Brown, contest, Coyotes, hockey, Kings, Los Angeles, Mayor, MayorsManor, NHL, Phoenix, Playoffs, poll, prediction

About John Hoven

John Hoven is a former member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and co-hosts Kings of the Podcast. He's also the founder and editor of MayorsManor.com, which has been named Best Sports Blog in Los Angeles and Hockey Blog of the Year. Click "ABOUT OUR TEAM" below for a full bio.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rob says

    May 13, 2012 at 7:52 am

    D. Brown

  2. Ric says

    May 13, 2012 at 7:54 am

    Willie Mitchell

  3. Brittney says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:05 am

    Kopi

  4. Guibou27 says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:11 am

    Kopitar will score the first goal of tonight game.

  5. marc says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:13 am

    richards

  6. Mark says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:23 am

    Carter

  7. Lynn H says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:24 am

    Brown

  8. Janelle says

    May 13, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Richards

  9. Nicholas says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Williams

  10. Matt Greenes stunt double says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Williams

  11. Marcus says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:42 am

    Justin Williams

  12. Becky says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:45 am

    Jeff Carter

  13. Sher says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:45 am

    Trevor Lewis!!!

  14. rtana says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:47 am

    Penner

  15. McNickk says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:48 am

    LAK (Brown) at PHX (Doan)

  16. Tim says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Carter

  17. Michele says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Oh Captain, My Captain…Brown with the first goal!!

  18. McNickk says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Oops. thought we were doing both contests. I’ll stay with Brown tho!

  19. Neal says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:53 am

    Kopitar!

  20. Gene says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Carter

  21. KingKopitar says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Dustin Penner. Go Pancakes!

  22. Brenda says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Willie Mitchell
    GO KINGS GO!!

  23. Jason says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Carter

    Go Kings!

  24. Lyon says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Carter

  25. YuriM says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:29 am

    Browm 1st goal, gotta ride hot hand

  26. kingnick says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Richardson

  27. TonyD says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:33 am

    Penner

  28. Robert Bullock says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Williams

  29. Rachel says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:43 am

    Drew doughty

  30. Griffin says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Kopitar

  31. Dawna says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:09 am

    captain crunch dustin brown

  32. framer31 says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Penner.

  33. Katy says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:31 am

    Brownie (:

  34. Iceman says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:35 am

    Conny himself, Dustin Brown

  35. Anthony Flores says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:37 am

    Penner

  36. Kingleberry says

    May 13, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Drew Doughty

  37. Brandon says

    May 13, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Carter

  38. Kris says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Carter

  39. Stan says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Nolan!

    • Stan says

      May 13, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      not sure where the other first goal contest is, but my pick for that one is phoenix(vrbata) vs. la(brown)

  40. Nick says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    Greene

  41. KLinsk says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Kopitar assisted by Brown

  42. Diana says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Kopitar will score the first Kings goal!

  43. Blueline says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Jeff Carter

  44. jim says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    Fraser

  45. Eric says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Jeff Carter

  46. Kelly Ann says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Penner

  47. chris villa says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    williams

  48. Pobo says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Strolzy

  49. Jessica says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    carter

  50. Shino says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Justin Williams!!

  51. Shane Albrent says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    First goal by Kopitar.

  52. Toshi says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Kopitor!!
    Go Kings!!

  53. tyler says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    kopi

    • admin says

      May 14, 2012 at 11:33 pm

      Congrats – you were the winner. Please check your email for moer info.

  54. Ruben Sanchez says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    dustin brown!

  55. Evo says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    Carter effect

  56. Christian Balogh says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Brown scores 1st goal tonight!!

  57. Nicole says

    May 13, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    Brown

  58. Chelsea says

    May 13, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    Kopitar!

  59. Christie says

    May 13, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    Carter!

  60. S CORDOVA says

    May 13, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    KOPI

  61. Brittany says

    May 13, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Martinez

  62. Tom says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Williams

  63. David says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    Stoll!!! Go Kings Go

  64. Dana says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Kopitar

  65. Thegetawayplan9 says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Penner

  66. Fricke says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Kopitar!!! GKG

  67. Matt says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    King

  68. Natasha says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    It’s gotta be Brownie boy!

  69. carey levy says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Nolan

  70. Ken says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Williams

  71. Shelley says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    Williams <3 GO KINGS GO…

  72. kelly says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    Mitchell

  73. Danczak says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN! Dustin Brown

  74. Ashley Nunes says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Kopitar

  75. Paul says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Voynov

  76. Blake says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Williams

  77. Epa says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Ray Whitney

  78. Sam G says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Penner

  79. Adam says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    King!!!

  80. Epa says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Oops. Kings player: penner

  81. heather says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Kopi

  82. Brian Vincent says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    first goal Williams!!!! Go Kings Go!!!

  83. Corri says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Brown

  84. chitchattj says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Stoll

  85. Joe McPherson says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    Brown

  86. marc says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    Voynov

  87. v says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    SCUDERI!

  88. rico sandoval says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    jeff carter. he needs it..

  89. TooCool says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    Mike Richards

  90. Jeff Doody says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    Voynov!

  91. Steve says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Stoll!!!

  92. Jeff says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    Jeff Carter

  93. Jamie Przybylski says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    Doughty

  94. Eric C says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Justin Williams

  95. frank gratrix says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Carter

  96. Jeff says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Richards

  97. Katie says

    May 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Los Angeles (Williams) at Phoenix (Whitney)

  98. Ed says

    May 13, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Brad Richardson

  99. N3DD says

    May 13, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Dustin Brown

  100. James says

    May 13, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    LAK(Jeff Carter JMFC)- PHX(Doan)

  101. Cory says

    May 13, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    Richards!

  102. Rocio Escareno says

    May 13, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Slava Voynov

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