The fate of the Coyotes season will be decided in overtime. A Los Angeles Kings goal means the Coyotes season is over. A Coyotes goal keeps the Cinderella season alive.
After the first two period featured six combined goals by the teams, the third period would remain scoreless with the goalies being the catalyst. Both Mike Smith and Jonathan Quick made big saves to keep the game tied. Smith would stop 16 shots in the third, while Quick stopped 13.
The Coyotes had the premier chance of the period, having a three-on-five power play for almost a full two minutes. However, the chance would be shortened by an undisciplined interference penalty by Martin Hanzal a minute into the two-man advantage.
Los Angeles applied heavy pressure late, and a strong forecheck by Dustin Brown late in the third led to Derek Morris taking a bonehead delay of game penalty that will be carried over into overtime.
The Kings will have just under 1:27 of power play time left in overtime. If the Coyotes can hold off the Kings it will be a huge momentum boost, but the question is if they can keep the Kings from getting quality chances. The Kings power play has struggled mightily this postseason, but they have multiple players who can find the back of the net.
The Coyotes defense has been good at blocking shots, and they will have to continue doing so in OT. The Kings are going to be looking for a long shot from the point and a deflection of screen opportunity.