Instead of a playoff race, the Kings have seemed better suited for a soap box derby this season.
After a rolling start, it has been all downhill.
For one rare night, however, the Kings stepped on the gas from start to finish against the Phoenix Coyotes, scoring three goals in a six-minute span of the second period Thursday night to supply goaltender Erik Ersberg with some much-needed wiggle room in the 4-0 victory at Staples Center.
The Coyotes didn't play like the team with more to lose. With five games to play, they came in six points shy of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and owning a 6-0-1 record this season against the Kings, who moved into a tie with Tampa Bay for the fewest points in the league. Phoenix had given up only two goals in three previous games in Los Angeles.
Kings find some spark (LA Times) 
