After failing to score more than one goal in four consecutive games, the Phoenix Coyotes responded in a big way, blowing out the Los Angeles Kings by a 6-3 count on Wednesday night, at Jobing.com Arena.
Shane Doan got the scoring frenzy started five minutes into what was a busy first period for both squads. Phoenix scored four of their six in the first, while all three LA goals came in that opening frame.
Doan's first of two came five minutes into the game, but was countered by Brad Richardson's goal two minutes later. The two sides traded punches in the first, with Ray Whitney giving the Coyotes a lead before the score was leveled again, this time by Ryan Smyth.
From there, it was all Coyotes.
Phoenix scored four of the next five goals in the game, with two coming in the first and the latter two coming in the second period. Scottie Upshall gave the Coyotes a 3-2 lead and Brett MacLean scored his first career NHL goal in his first career game, which came on the power play to give the Yotes a two goal edge.
New King Marco Sturm's goal would prove moot, as the Coyotes would add two more. Shane Doan scored his second on the power play before Kyle Turris added the final blow with his sixth goal of the season.
The two goal game for Doan was bittersweet, as he still failed to grab that ever elusive hat trick. Doan is fourth among active forwards in games played without potting three goals in a game. He had a chance at the end, but his redirect deflected off the pipe.
What might be most surprising is the fact that the Coyotes chased Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick from the game. Quick, a Vezina candidate to this point, allowed all six goals, despite coming in with one of the league's top save percentages.
A game like this certainly adds confidence to the Coyotes' lineup. On a night without Martin Hanzal, the Coyotes found a nice spark from Doan and MacLean, who may have earned himself some more NHL playing time after scoring his first career goal. Upshall's three points earned him First Star honors. The Yotes' top four defensemen combined for six assists, with three coming from Keith Yandle.
Wednesday presented just the kind of game the Coyotes needed at the right time. About to hit the road again after a brief stop at home, the importance of a young group cannot be overstated.