The Los Angelas Kings (give them some credit) have been one of the more underestimated foes in the playoffs this year. Why? Well most people don't tend to give the 8th seed in the Western confrence that high of a chance, especially considering the Kings' recent playoff record and the team they had to face---the President's Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks.
However, upon analyzing the Kings' roster, one must ask themselves: "How could I have missed out?" When dealing with a very top-heavy team like Los Angelas, who have drafted, developed, traded, and signed a plethora of high-quality forwards, defenceman, and a number one goalie like Johnathan Quick, those who did their homework and picked a low-placing team like the Kings to contend I think deserve a round of applause.
However, that being said, you can't really count out the Phoenix Coyotes either. The Kings aren't the only team that has a very deep talent pool up front, on the back end, and in between the pipes. Mike Smith has been the answered prayer for a replacement for Ilya Bryzgalov (Who promply departed the Coyotes for the Flyers in the off-seaon and was disposed of with the team in round 2 by the New Jersey Devils). Compared to ex-temmate Marty Turco for his puck-handling skills, Smith is showing the world that any prospect, when given the chance, can shine for even the darkest of darkhorse teams.
But it doesn't stop there. The Coyotes made what I personally consider a very intelligent trade in acquiring Centerman Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets near the trade deadline. He's seemed to fit seamlessely into the Coyotes' line-up, and has been a consistent source of offensive talent since joining the roster in late February. Rookies like Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the back end, as well as veterans such as 40-year-old Ray Whitney have given the Coyotes a team that's both experienced yet youthful, a deadly combination if you think about it.
So the only question that remains is; how will tonight's game turn out? Will the Kings finish the desert dogs, or do the 'Yotes have another trick up their sleeve to fool the Kings? One thing is for certain in my mind; whover DOES win tonight's game will probably have the better netminder of the evening. I have a feeling that tonight's game will be a battle of the goalies, Mike Smith vs. Johnathan Quick. Who will win? Only time will tell.
