9 ET, Los Angeles at Phoenix, Game 5 (NBC Sports Network)

The Kings couldn't finish off the Coyotes in Game 4 over the weekend. Perhaps they were just being nice, instead setting themselves up for the "gentlemen's sweep" in Game 5.

You'll remember they have been here before. The first-round series with Vancouver played out the exact same way through the first four games with L.A. winning the first three then dropping Game 4 at home. The Kings rebounded by taking Game 5 in Vancouver. Point is, I don't think the Kings will feel any sort of panic for Game 5.

But the danger in that is losing the sense of urgency too. The last thing you want is a team to come out there and not playing with its usual jump. You have to assume the Coyotes will have an extra pep in their stride, L.A. has to be ready to combat it.

Of course, these are hockey players who are one win away from a Stanley Cup appearance. So I'm not too sure you have to worry about the Kings kicking back. They are well aware of what's at stake here.

The thing is, they don't have to get back to doing a whole lot. It wasn't as if they played a poor game in Game 4, they still pushed the play of the game for most of the time, but Phoenix put out its best effort so far. The Kings did have some looks in the scoring areas but not a whole lot. They need to get back to creating those big opportunities, something that has seemed to come with ease this postseason.

One of the quieter things to come out of the games in Staples Center, particularly Game 4, was how the Coyotes finally quieted the line of Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. That had seemed to be the key to slowing down the Kings and it certainly worked well in Game 4.

The trick for the Coyotes is doing it again. And again. And then again. Put another way, the Coyotes have to beat a team that has only lost twice in more than a month three times in the next week. So, yeah, good luck there, Phoenix.

The part making that all the more difficult for Phoenix? Game 5 is at home. What? Yes, don't forget the Kings remain perfect on the road this postseason and for as good as he has been all postseason long, Mike Smith has actually been a better 'tender away from Jobing.com Arena.

I think the first 10 minutes on Tuesday night are going to tell the tale. If the Coyotes are able to prevent the Kings from setting up that punishing forecheck and dictate the pace, they might be all right. On the other hand, I'd look for the Kings to come out like bats out of hell once again and quieting the White Out crowd.

Daily miscellany

  • Ratings had been on the rise all postseason long until the conference finals, which are behind last year's pace. (Puck the Media)
  • Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton says he would welcome a gay teammate with open arms and he's sure his teammates would too. (CSN New England)
  • A message to floppers everywhere: Clean up your act. Sincerely, ... Phoenix? (Arizona Republic)
  • And hey, how about some Coach's Corner!

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