The Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings rookies each earned a victory during the clubs two exhibition games at The Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, CA.
The Coyotes won the first game on Wednesday night 8-7, after trailing 6-3 heading into the final period of play. Coyotes forward Brett Hextall, son of Los Angeles Kings Assistant General Manager Ron Hextall, led the way with two late goals including the game winner. Last year's Hobey Baker Award winner Andy Miele showed why the organization is extremely high on him as he added a goal and an assist, as well as showed terrific ability with the puck. Speedy forward Evan Bloodoff added two goals including a shorthanded tally in the 2nd period. California born Colin Long added three assists and defenseman Chris Summers also had a multi point game with a pair of helpers.
For Los Angeles, shifty winger Brandon Kozun led the way with a pair of goals and an assist. Gritty center Andy Andreoff also added two goals for the Kings.
Thursday afternoon's game wasn't quite the offensive outburst that the first game was, but it was once again a one goal game as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 4-3.
Similar to the first game, the Coyotes came back in the third period to erase a deficit. This time trailing 3-1 the Coyotes fought back on goals by Ethan Werek and Brett Hextall. In addition to his goal, Werek also added an assist for two points on the day. The team got into some late penalty trouble and found themselves down two men in the final minutes of regulation. The Kings capitalized as Jordan Nolan put home the game winner with 1:58 remaining in the final period. Nolan also added a goal earlier in the game and Brandon Kozun once again shined for the Kings rookies as he added three assists.
Phoenix Coyotes Chief Operating Officer Mike Nealy will be appearing on Breakthrough Sports this Friday afternoon to talk about the upcoming season. Mike will be on the show at 2:40 pst and it airs locally in Phoenix on 1010am or streaming online here.