This series starts on Mother's Day at 8 p.m. on the NBC Sports Network, and will continue every other night for the rest of the series. This will be a great match up. There are several storylines going into the series, and my friend Bryan Miller, who has been so great in explaining and previewing the series so far will do so again here. He will also preview the Western Conference team in the Stanley Cup Final. And, both of these teams are going for their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final since at least 1993, when the Kings made it. And, the Coyotes have never made it, even as the Winnipeg Jets. So, this should be a very fun series, and one where it will be fun to root for either team. Thanks again Bryan for writing this!
#3 Phoenix Coyotes Vs. #8 Los Angeles Kings
This matchup has a bunch of great story lines to go with it. Let's start with the big story line goaltending. Both teams have great goaltending. With LA you have Jonathan Quick. This year he had 35 wins and a league best 10 shutouts. His career shot into stardom a few years ago when he first started with the Reading Royals. Now he is the man that the Kings look to keep them in every game. Night in and night out he has made saves that make your jaw drop. On the other end will be Mike Smith for the Coyotes. This year he had 38 and wins and 8 shutouts. A year removed from being sent to the minor league from the Lightning and later sent to the Coyotes. He has pulled a complete turn around from last year. He has been the answer for the Coyotes when they have needed him. Making unbelievable saves or anything else that came his way. This series will be decided by goaltending the better goalie should win this series for his team. Another story line to watch out for is the role players. Each teams 3rd and 4th lines need to contribute in this series and help out the top 2 lines. It doesn't need to be in the form of scoring, but in chances and by putting pressure on the goalie and other teams defense. I believe that the Kings have the upper hand on talent, but talent doesn't always mean that you will win. Coyotes Captain Shane Doan has been the captain for many years and is one of the few left that played with the original Winnipeg Jets. His leadership is what has the Coyotes where they are today.
Prediction: #3 Phoenix Coyotes in 7 games. Reaching the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in team history.
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