In a hostile environment in Glendale, Arizona against the Phoenix Coyotes, with the crowd constantly chanting "Beat LA", ironically it was the L.A. Kings who beat Phoenix.
In a must win Game 5 and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line, an accomplishment that hasn't happened for the Los Angeles Kings in 19 years, this game would prove to be a defining moment for this team.
Kings looked to make history as an 8th seed, who already have knocked off a #1 seed in Vancouver, #2 seed in St. Louis, and now have the chance to knock off a #3 seed in the Coyotes. After failing to sweep the Coyotes at Staples Center this past Sunday and end the series, the Kings went back to their balanced attack on the road. The Kings became the first team to go undefeated on the road en route to the Stanley Cup finals and have won 10 straight road playoff games over two seasons, which is another record.
On the powerplay goal Coyotes Radim Vrbata shot it towards the net by thanks to the quick wit of Kings goalie Jonathan Quick, a brilliant save to prevent the score. But just six seconds later a relentless Taylor Pyatt scored the powerplay goal with Martin Hanzal and Radim Vrbata on the assist.
Later on in the 1st period Dustin Brown attempted a shot only to have it blocked by Antoine Vermette, the Kings quickly regroup as Anze Kopitar scored his fifth short handed goal to tie up the game 1-1 with Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown on the assist.
As intense as this game was, the crowd was extremely loud, the Coyotes came out in the second period with a efficient mindset, David Schlemko made an attempt at the net. However a ready Jonathan Quick made a spectacular save, but didn't get back on defense in time which allowed Coyotes Marc-Antoine Pouliot scored a nifty backhanded goal that gave the Coyotes the lead with the assist by Rostislav Klesla and Kyle Chipchura.
Coyotes goalie Mike Smith was just as sharp at the net, as Kings' Justin Williams made a shot attempt that was denied by Smith, the Kings refused to give up. An assertive Drew Doughty slapped a shot from about center ice thanks to the assist by Colin Fraser and Justin Williams. The Kings didn't stop there, as their offense continued to soar, at about the 13:40 mark Dustin Penner set up an amazing assist for Mike Richards to score and give the Kings the lead 3-2.
That Kings offense sparked the Coyotes who made sure a response was made on the ice as Taylor Pratt set up a brilliant play for Keith Yandle who scored and ties up the game 3-3. Both teams play immaculate defense, Jonathan Quick made a spectacular save on a goal attempt by Mikkel Boedker to end the period.
This is the time for the Kings to continue the strategy, keep the balanced attack and Jonathan Quick had to continued to make phenomenal saves. Anze Kopitar won the face off against Antoine Vermette in neutral zone to start the third period. About a minute and thirty seconds into the period, Coyotes Lauri Korpikoski was sent to the penalty box for 2:00 for holding on Alec Martinez. The Kings were awarded a powerplay opportunity, Mike Richards slapped a goal towards Mike Smith who ended up stopping the goal. Defense by the Kings and Coyotes was superior, the Coyotes failed to convert on powerplay opportunities of their own, ending regulation in a 3-3 tie, sending the game into overtime.
Thanks to a 2 minute interference penalty on Drew Doughty, the Coyotes had a chance to win the game on a powerplay, but Quick would not have Derek Morris slap a goal on his watch, and Morris was denied.
Both teams continued to blow opportunities to score in overtime, however the Kings made it up in their mind that enough was enough between the circles, Dustin Penner saw the puck bouncing his way. In the midst of players thrashing in front of him, he fired a shot through the crowd and lasered it through Coyotes goalie Mike Smith for the win with 17:42 left in overtime.
Kings defeat the Coyotes in dramatic fashion 4-3, win the series 4-1, and make history as the first 8th seed to consecutively defeat a 1, 2, and 3 seeds in the playoffs.
"I got a lucky bounce. I just waited for it to settle down, and I got a chance to get it in the net. It's the biggest goal of my career so far. Hopefully, there are a couple more waiting in the finals," said Dustin Penner describing that heroic overtime play.
The Kings now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.
*The Los Angeles Kings returned home late Tuesday night to LAX, greeted by over 4,000 excited and elated fans.*
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