The Arizona Coyotes caught the Los Angeles Kings flat-footed at the start of Friday’s game, but that hot start eventually wore off.
Four goals in the first period simply weren’t enough for the Coyotes (3-4-0) as the offense slumbered the rest of the game and allowed the Kings to score four consecutive goals to hand the Coyotes a 5-4 loss at Mullett Arena.
“We defended too much and we were not on our toes. We had no forecheck, no possession. We didn’t want to play with the puck. The other team played with the puck,” head coach André Tourigny said.
Fast start
In a reversal of Tuesday’s game against the Kings, the Coyotes went up three goals early in the first period and chased out starting goalie Pheonix Copley.
Matias Maccelli began with the Coyotes’ first shot on goal finding the back of the net 37 seconds into the game. Nick Schmaltz’s shot went off the top of the net and was pocketed by defenseman J.J. Moser at 7:44 in the first. Jack McBain tipped in Liam O’Brien’s shot at 8:20 that brought in goalie Cam Talbot after Copley let in three goals on six shots.
Sean Durzi didn’t make it easier for Talbot and went one-on-one via a feed from Zach Sanford and goalie Karel Vejmelka to score mid-air at 8:55. Durzi’s goal was the fourth for the Coyotes on seven shots.
Kings taking swings
The Coyotes took the foot off the gas from the big first period and let the Kings control the pace. From there, the Kings heavily dominated in the offensive zone with a 41-24 edge in shots.
“That’s the frustrating part,” Durzi said. “We expected a push. It’s a good team over there and they’re a playoff caliber team. I know those guys over there, they’re going to give us a game on a Friday night. We expected it and the tough part is that we didn’t do well with it.”
The Kings didn’t hesitate to take advantage on the power play with one goal on five opportunities. Drew Doughty kickstarted the Kings on the power play to make it 4-2 at 16:11 in the second. Doughty was the deciding factor when his second goal of the night gave the Kings a 5-4 lead at 18:01.
Early in the third, the Kings played heavy in the offensive zone and got within one as Quinton Byfield scored when the power play expired at 1:50 in the third. Anze Kopitar tied the game at 6:54 in the third.
Illness takes over
Less than one week after Travis Dermott became the first NHL player to defy the Pride Tape ban, the Coyotes held its previously scheduled Pride Night. The ban was rescinded on Tuesday following a review by the league.
However, Dermott couldn’t play in the game due to an illness going around. His actions were still remembered by the crowd as several people brought signs supporting him.
More: Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott helps reverse NHL’s ban on Pride Tape
Lawson Crouse missed Thursday’s practice with an illness, but returned at Friday’s morning skate for a brief time. He was scratched from the lineup, causing the Coyotes to mix around its lines.
Matias Maccelli reunited with Nick Bjugstad on the second line with Alex Kerfoot. Logan Cooley centered the third line with Michael Carcone and Zach Sanford.
The Coyotes will have some time to recuperate before Monday’s home game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Coyotes surrender 4-1 lead in loss to Los Angeles Kings
