Game 27: Kings @ Phoenix Coyotes 4:7

Pucks were flying past Dan Cloutier at a record pace in Phoenix...
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

Let down between the pipes sinks the LA ship quickly

LA goals from: Derek Armstrong (2), Mike Cammalleri, Craig Conroy
PHO goals from: Zigomanis (2), Nagy, Saprykin, Michalek, Fischer, Doan

Pros: Goaltender Barry Brust debuted in the NHL in a rather harsh fashion (off the bench in the first), but managed to keep his composure and ended up with 24 saves in 28 chances. While Brust (which we knew before his Phoenix cameo) is definitely not an NHL starter material, we can pay him what little tribute we have energy for, 'cause he outplayed a veteran starter. Another good thing was seeing Armstrong net two goals.

Cons: Losing four goals in the first quarter against a lowly Coyotes team is always an embarassement (did I already mention Cloutier today?), especially when your star(ter) is taken out after 2 saves of the first five shots, three of which ended up in the net. Possibly the worst road game by the Kings in a long time.