Coyotes attempting to join rare group
May 21, 2012, 9:47 PM | Updated: 10:54 pm
The Phoenix Coyotes are trying to break into a very
exclusive group.
Dave Tippett’s team is attempting to become only the
fourth team ever to climb out of a 3-0 deficit to win a
Stanley Cup Playoff series, joining the 1942 Toronto Maple
Leafs, 1975 New York Islanders and 2010
Philadelphia Flyers.
The ‘Yotes took the first step toward that potentially
historic accomplishment with a 2-0 win over the Los
Angeles Kings Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. With
the series shifting back to Glendale’s Jobing.com Arena
for Game 5, Phoenix is not getting ahead of itself.
“We recognize they’re a good team, they’re going to come
play well, but we have to play the way we can to give
ourselves the best chance to win,” Tippett said Monday.
“I think it’ll be a tight game again. That bodes to how
we want to play and if it comes down to a couple good
plays and a couple big saves and we can find a way to
win.”
The Coyotes did play their most complete game of the
series Sunday, getting two goals from their captain Shane
Doan and a Herculean effort from goalie Mike Smith between
the pipes. Smith stopped all 36 shots he faced en route
to his third playoff shutout.
The problem is, the Kings have been more than comfortable
away from home during the quest for their first conference
title since 1993. Darryl Sutter’s squad is 11-2 overall,
but a perfect 7-0 on the road in the playoffs.
“I really think it’s tough to come into a building and
[win] three times,” Doan said. “They did it to Vancouver
and we acknowledge that, but it’s tough to do it again.
“We’ve got to find away to win that next one at home.
That’s really all we’re thinking about. No one’s really
worrying too much other than just find a way to win that
one at home.”
If there’s one thing that’s been a constant theme for the
Coyotes all season long, it’s been the brilliant
goaltending of Smith.
“Whenever we’ve needed him all year, in the real big game,
he’s been unbelievable,” Doan said. “There’s something
special about him that I’m sure glad he’s on my team.
“He’s a guy that rises to the occasion, loves the
dramatics and is fun to have your team.”
Game 5 is set for Tuesday night at 6:00 at Jobing.com
Arena.
