Coyotes vs. Kings: Game 4 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

On the brink of elimination and facing a daunting 3-0 deficit in their best-of-seven series against the Los Angeles Kings, the Phoenix Coyotes came out firing and scored a 2-0 victory Sunday at Staples Center to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive. 

Coyotes captain Shane Doan set the tone early. He scored the game's first goal at the 14:19 in the first period, and he wasn't done there. 

He scored the second goal of this Western Conference finals showdown off a clean look following a faceoff at the 11:10 mark in the second period. That was the first time the Kings had surrendered two goals in a game since Game 4 of the first round, and it essentially put this contest on ice. 

They did little more than play keep-away the rest of this contest, and while the Kings mounted some attacks, they couldn't find the net. Now it is on to Game 5. 

Tweets of the Night

This Coyotes fan knows the odds are stacked against her team, but knows anything is possible.

"

One game, one period at a time, and anything is possible. Still believe in my #coyotes. Let's do this.

— Anastasia Appenauer (@anathelia) May 20, 2012"

NHL.com's Shawn Roarke shed a little light on the source of the Coyotes' improved performance.

"

Coyotes are far better on forecheck today than in Game 3. Kings having issues breaking out of own zone easily

— Shawn Roarke (@sroarke_nhl) May 20, 2012"

 The Royal Half put the Coyotes impressive performance in simpler terms.

"

The Coyotes are out-Kings'ing the Kings.

— The Royal Half (@theroyalhalf) May 20, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Check out Shane Doan's second goal, which had to go to replay.

Grades for Key Coyotes Players

Shane Doan: A

Coyote fans couldn't have asked for anything more from Doan. He put the team on his back and carried them.

Scoring two goals on the Kings defense and goaltender Jonathan Quick is an impressive feat. 

Mike Smith: A

Smith pitched a shutout, and he had to stop 36 shots to do so. It was a great performance by Smith, and if he can keep this up, anything is possible. 

Grades for Key Kings Players

Dustin Brown: B-

Brown wasn't horrible. He was active and gave a good effort, but he was unable to net either of his two shots. The Kings need more from their star and captain.

Jonathan Quick: C+

Quick has raised the bar for grading his performances, and allowing two goals on 21 shots is well below that bar. 

His missed saves weren't terrible, but you expect more from Quick at this point. 

Deciding Factor: Seizing Opportunity 

The Coyotes were outshot 36 to 21, but they definitely got their money's worth on those 21 shots. They came through when they had the opportunity. 

The Kings did not. They had a chance to close out this series, and they let it slip through their fingers. 

Game MVP: Shane Doan

You don't need to say much more about Doan's performance than that he scored both of the game's goals. It was a brilliant performance when his team needed him the most. 

What's Next? 

This series will move to Phoenix for Game 5 on Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. ET for another do-or-die situation for Phoenix. Let's see if they can capitalize on the momentum, or if Gamd 4 will prove to be an aberration.