Coyotes surrender 4-1 lead in loss to Los Angeles Kings

The Arizona Coyotes stunned the Los Angeles Kings with a blistering start in Friday’s game, but their momentum eventually faded away.

Although the Coyotes scored four goals in the first period, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory (3-4-0) as their offense struggled for the rest of the game, allowing the Kings to rally and hand them a 5-4 loss at Mullett Arena.

“We didn’t have much control of the game. We were passive in our defense, lacked a strong forecheck, and failed to possess the puck. The other team outplayed us,” said head coach André Tourigny.

Explosive Start

In a complete turn of events from Tuesday’s game against the Kings, the Coyotes quickly gained a three-goal lead in the first period, forcing goalie Pheonix Copley out of the game.

The scoring started just 37 seconds into the game when Matias Maccelli found the back of the net with the Coyotes’ first shot on goal. J.J. Moser then capitalized on Nick Schmaltz’s shot off the top of the net at 7:44. Jack McBain redirected Liam O’Brien’s shot at 8:20, prompting the goalie switch from Copley to Cam Talbot after Copley allowed three goals on six shots.

Sean Durzi further added to Talbot’s troubles by scoring a mid-air goal at 8:55 off a pass from Zach Sanford and goalie Karel Vejmelka. Durzi’s goal marked the Coyotes’ fourth on seven shots.

Kings’ Resurgence

After a dominant first period, the Coyotes allowed the Kings to regain control and dictate the pace of the game. The Kings dominated in the offensive zone, outshooting the Coyotes 41-24.

“That’s the frustrating part,” Durzi said. “We anticipated their push. They’re a strong team capable of making the playoffs. We expected a tough matchup on a Friday night. However, we didn’t handle it well.”

The Kings took full advantage of their power-play opportunities, scoring one goal out of five chances. Drew Doughty kickstarted the Kings’ power play, making it 4-2 at 16:11 in the second period. Doughty then sealed the victory with his second goal of the night, giving the Kings a 5-4 lead at 18:01.

Early in the third period, the Kings continued to dominate in the offensive zone and narrowed the gap to one goal when Quinton Byfield scored just as the power play expired at 1:50. Anze Kopitar tied the game at 6:54.

Absence and Illness

Less than a week after Travis Dermott defied the Pride Tape ban, the Coyotes held their scheduled Pride Night. The league later rescinded the ban following a review.

Unfortunately, Dermott was unable to play due to an illness circulating the team. However, the crowd showed their support with signs honoring him.

More: Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott helps reverse NHL’s ban on Pride Tape

Lawson Crouse missed Thursday’s practice due to illness but briefly returned for Friday’s morning skate. However, he was scratched from the lineup, leading to line changes for the Coyotes.

Matias Maccelli rejoined Nick Bjugstad on the second line with Alex Kerfoot, while Logan Cooley centered the third line alongside Michael Carcone and Zach Sanford.

The Coyotes will have time to regroup before their home game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Coyotes surrender 4-1 lead in loss to Los Angeles Kings