The LA Kings are road warriors. They beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 Tuesday night to once again take a 2-0 lead in the series. They have won all 7 of their road playoff games, which ties an NHL record.
Other than Jeff Carter's hat trick, which pretty much makes every Kings fan out there forget the name Jack Johnson, the story of the game was the penalties by Phoenix. Shane Doan was ejected for boarding Trevor Lewis, and although the hit was nasty, it was mostly because of the timing. So I don't think he should or will be suspended. Martin Hanzal is another story though. He absolutely crushed Dustin Brown who was completely defenseless. Somehow Brown was unhurt, but Hanzal was tossed and should be suspended at least 1 game.
The other Phoenix player who I think should face discipline is goaltender Mike Smith. He hacked the back of Brown's knee with his stick when Brown wasn't even in the crease. He was given a minor penalty, and somehow the refs gave Brown an embellishment penalty, but the league needs to do something. I'm all for protecting the goalies, but plays like that can cause permanent damage to a player. It was completely uncalled for and Smith should be sat down for Game 3 by the league.
I know I sound like a total homer in this post. But I promise you I live physical hockey. The thing I hate are the cheap shots. Both Hanzal and Smith took cheap shots on Kings players that very easily could've ended their playoffs. It's totally understandable that these guys were playing frustrated and wanted to send a message. But the NHL can't let these kind of plays go unpunished.
Going back to the Kings, they really are playing well. Quick is incredible right now, Kopitar seems to always be in the right place at the right time, and Brown is filling his role as captain. Game 3 in LA is on Thursday followed by Game 4 on Sunday, which I will be at!!!
UPDATE- The NHL has handed Hanzal a 1 game suspension for his hit but Mike Smith has not received any additional punishment.
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