Both teams looking to depth scoring

Scoring depth has been a critical aspect of this postseason for both teams. The Kings have had at least one goal from 15 different players (11 forwards, four defensemen), while the Coyotes have had at least one goal from 13 different players (10 forwards, three defensemen). Contributions from the third and fourth lines have been important in the first two rounds for both teams. If the theory goes, as Justin Williams presents, that teams’ top two lines often cancel each other out, then the biggest goals are the ones that are hardest to predict. Williams, and Phoenix coach Dave Tippett, talked about the depth on their respective teams…

WILLIAMS: “Certainly. I think you look at lines three and four, and everybody is outscoring their opposition. Our third line has scored more than (Vancouver and St. Louis’) third line. Our fourth line has scored more than their fourth line, that we’ve played so far. We’re going to need solid contributions from everybody. That’s what the playoffs is. Sometimes the first couple lines offset each other, and it’s the so-called unsung heroes who get the stuff done. That’s probably not going to change. There are guys who are going to step up and score big goals.”

TIPPETT: ““It just shows that we have the most depth we’ve ever had here. … You have a line that can go on the ice against anybody that you feel comfortable with. They’re a working line, they’re a responsible line and I think we’ve seen that they’re capable of generating some chances and some goals. That clinching game against Chicago, if that line doesn’t come up with a couple of big goals it could be a different story.”