LOS ANGELES – Martin Hanzal scored his first two goals of the season, and the Arizona Coyotes have happily made Los Angeles their second home, defeating the Kings 3-2 on Tuesday night for their second win at Staples Center this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Kings opened the scoring 5:54 into the first period. Anze Kopitar won a face off in the Coyotes zone and sent the puck back to Drew Doughty who ran a give-and-go with Tanner Pearson. Doughty's shot was saved by Mike Smith, but the rebound went right to Dustin Brown and the captain cleaned up in front of the net.
The Coyotes tied the game six minutes later after Brayden McNabb turned the puck over in the Kings zone and Martin Hanzal blasted a wrist shot past Jonathan Quick.
Tyler Toffoli gave the Kings the lead when he went top shelf on Smith during an LA power play.
The lead would be shortlived as Hanzal struck again, this time with a backhand that sailed over Quick's shoulder and into the back of the net.
Brad Richardson netted the game-winner when he stuck his stick in between McNabb's legs and deflected a pass from Jordan Martinook into the net for the goal.
TURNING POINT
The Kings had a 2-1 lead midway through the second period and had outshot the Coyotes 20-7. Martin Hanzal, who was everywhere for Arizona skated untouched into the Kings zone and sent a backhand shot over the left shoulder of Jonathan Quick to tie the game.
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The shot killed all the Kings momentum and the Coyotes would go on to win with a goal in the third and final period.
MVP OF THE GAME
Martin Hanzal. The 28-year-old had no goals and 13 assists in 12 games prior to tonight. He picked a great night to finally find the net as he scored not one, but two goals, each after the Kings took the lead.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
Drew Doughty recorded his 210th career NHL assist on the game's first goal, passing Lubomir Visnovsky for fourth on the Kings all-time franchise assist list among defensemen.
TWEET OF THE NIGHT
Trying to look cool in a Coyotes jersey is like trying to look cool in Crocs, Toms or Uggs. Not gonna happen. @LaKings #LaKings — Cory (@WaitWhatLAKings) November 11, 2015
Nothing says I've completely given up on life then wearing ugly rubber galoshes with holes in them.
PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
The Captain getting some fist bumps after his first goal of the season.
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"If we had the answers for how to score in this league, I think we'd have a few more." LA Kings head coach Darryl Sutter.
NOTES
Kings play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson was honored before the game as part of the Hockey Hall of Fame's Induction Week. Nickson was given the Foster Hewitt Award a night earlier for outstanding contributions to broadcasting.
RECORD
Arizona Coyotes (8-6-1) (6-2-1 on the road)
Los Angeles Kings (9-6) (5-5 at home)
WHAT'S NEXT?
Arizona heads home to the Grand Canyon State to take on the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
The Kings host the New York Islanders Thursday night at Staples Center.
