Scouting the Coyotes

This is Game 1 in the best-of-seven, Western Conference Finals series between the Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes. The Kings lead the series 1-0. The Coyotes have been resilient so far in these playoffs. In the first round against Chicago, they lost Game 2 in overtime and won Game 3, then lost Game 5 in overtime and won Game 6. In the second round against Nashville, they lost Game 3 and won Game 4. The status of veteran defenseman Adrian Aucoin is believed to be a game-time decision. Aucoin was injured in the final game of the Nashville series, and if he is able to return tonight, he will likely replace David Schlemko on defense. [UPDATE: Aucoin is not expected to play tonight.] The Coyotes aren’t expected to make any changes at forward. For the latest on the Coyotes, check out the coverage from The Arizona Republic, followed by the possible lineups for the Coyotes and the Kings…

[UPDATE: Kyle Clifford will be in the Kings’ lineup tonight in place of Colin Fraser, who is out because of an undisclosed personal/family matter.]

The Arizona Republic’s Coyotes coverage

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COYOTES LINEUP
Ray Whitney-Martin Hanzal-Radim Vrbata
Mikkel Boedker-Antoine Vermette-Shane Doan
Taylor Pyatt-Boyd Gordon-Lauri Korpikoski
Kyle Chipchura-Daymond Langkow-Gilbert Brule

Keith Yandle-Derek Morris
Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Michal Rozsival
Rostislav Klesla-Michael Stone

Mike Smith
Jason LaBarbera

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KINGS LINEUP
Dustin Brown-Anze Kopitar-Justin Williams
Dustin Penner-Mike Richards-Jeff Carter
Dwight King-Jarret Stoll-Trevor Lewis
Kyle Clifford-Brad Richardson-Jordan Nolan

Rob Scuderi-Drew Doughty
Willie Mitchell-Slava Voynov
Alec Martinez-Matt Greene

Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Bernier