GLENDALE - In the two rounds leading up to the Phoenix Coyotes' appearance in the Western Conference finals, the tests from their opponents, although challenging, were relatively one-dimensional.
Stymie the Chicago Blackhawks' offensive talent.
Be as defensively responsible as the Nashville Predators.
The Coyotes combated both styles, earning a meeting with the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference finals, but the Kings rely on an approach the Coyotes have yet to encounter - a mix of the Blackhawks' prowess up front with the sound defensive play of the Predators' blue line.
The combination would be difficult enough in itself, but the Kings added a physical presence that stems from their imposing size, and that multiple threat dealt the Coyotes a 1-0 series deficit entering tonight's Game 2.
People are also reading…
"They got the best part of both teams," Coyotes winger Lauri Korpikoski said. "They got the personal skill. They play a good team game. They're a good team. They're not in the conference finals if they're not a good team. We just gotta raise the bar."
The Coyotes have not had to tailor their game to foil the attack of another team, and if tonight's effort produces a victory, that won't be necessary. But some changes needed to be made after Sunday's 4-2 loss.
"Adjustments all over the board you have to make," coach Dave Tippett said. "First and foremost, if you're not willing to jump in and win a few more one-on-one battles, then the tactical stuff you might as well throw out the window."
The Coyotes frustrated Chicago by working out of a strong defensive foundation. They moved traffic to the perimeter, clogged up shooting lanes and diminished the time forwards had to create offense by engaging in one-on-one battles.
"We were around some battles," Tippett said. "But once you get yourself into the battle, it's the next step. How are you going to win that battle? For me sometimes it's about will, sometimes about skill also, having the ability to make something positive happen."
Phoenix solved the Predators' defense by pressuring them offensively. The key to doing that against the Kings is getting the puck behind their defenders.
"They forecheck really well," Coyotes defenseman Rusty Klesla said. "All five guys are up high. You just gotta find a way, if it's a quick rim or a reverse or just kind of get it away from that forecheck and beat those two guys. If we do make a good breakout, it's going to lead to good rush chances."
What's new about this matchup is the physicality. It's not so much the act of hitting, but the Kings' size makes every interaction on the ice a punishing affair.
"They just play hard," Korpikoski said.
Surviving that intensity rather than crumbling under it could be a turning point for the Coyotes if they want to go to the Stanley Cup finals.
"Whether they're bigger or stronger," Phoenix winger Radim Vrbata said, "we maybe have to be quicker and smarter."
Klesla said there's a sense of urgency tonight:
"We want to follow a loss with a great effort. Obviously you don't want to lose two in a row or you might find yourself in big trouble."
Today
• What: Western conference finals, Game 2
• Who: Kings at Coyotes
• When: 6 p.m.
• TV: NBC Sports
