Kings vs. Coyotes: Game 5 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The LA Kings are on their way to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1993.

It wasn't easy, but they won 4-3 on the strength of a goal by Dustin Penner 17:42 into overtime in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals at the Coyotes' Jobing.com Arena. 

The Coyotes certainly made them earn it, and they proved early that they were not just going to roll over for the Kings. They came out attacking and Taylor Pyatt netted a power-play goal for them just 4:20 into the first period.

Anze Kopitar leveled it for the Kings just under seven minutes later with assists from Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown. The Coyotes took the lead back with a Marc-Antoine Pouliot goal in the second, but the Kings quickly seized control with two unanswered goals from Doughty and Mike Richards.

At that moment, it seemed like this series was over, but the Coyotes weren't done. Keith Yandle evened the score with less than four minutes left in the second.

The feverish scoring pace came to an abrupt stop at that point.  

Tweets of the Night

Flyers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer Sam Carchidi pointed out that this series was beginning to look like another high-scoring affair he covered closely:

"

When did the Coyotes and Kings turn into the Flyers and Penguins? 3-3 in 2d.

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) May 23, 2012"

NHL.com's Shawn Roarke noted the definite switch in physical intensity in this game:

"

Hitting -- on both sides -- has really picked up since Coyotes second goal

— Shawn Roarke (@sroarke_nhl) May 23, 2012"

Dallas Stars play-by-play voice Ralph Strangis was obviously taken aback by this newly aggressive Coyotes team he saw:

"

Very close to using "exciting" and "phoenix coyotes " in same sentence.

— Ralph Strangis (@RalphStrangis) May 23, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Now this is what you call using your head. The Coyotes had a chance to take a lead with a little over five minutes left in the game, but the shot clanged right off Quick's noggin. 

The announcers gave Quick credit for this save, but I'm pretty sure the puck just managed to luck off the ol' goalie mask. 

Grades for Key Kings Players

Dustin Brown: B-

Brown had a solid night, but in a game with all this scoring, you definitely want to see one of the stars get in on that action. He ended with six shots and one assist. 

Jonathan Quick: C+

After dominating the playoffs, Quick has had two subpar games in a row. He made a couple of fantastic saves, including a crazy kick save near the top of the net, but he needs more consistency in games. 

He definitely picked it up, however, and ended with 38 saves on 41 shots. 

Grades for Key Coyotes Players

Shane Doan: B-

Shane Doan didn't score due to a lack of effort. He fired off five shots, but couldn't add to his team's total. 

And, just like Brown, in a game with seven goals, you want to see your star get in on the action, and Doan didn't even do that with an assist. 

Mike Smith: B-

Smith allowed three goals in the first two periods and then really cranked up his play. The Kings began dominating possession in the later stages and in overtime, and Smith did a wonderful job of turning them away time and time again. 

He ended with a whopping 47 saves in the overtime loss.

Deciding Factor: Shots

The Kings fired off 51 shots in this game. They never relented and kept the pressure on—especially in overtime—and it finally paid off. 

Game MVP: Dustin Penner

Penner was not a consistent force, but he hit the overtime goal that is sending his team to the Stanley Cup Final. That is a moment worthy of MVP honors. 

What's Next? 

The Kings are headed the 2012 Stanley Cup Final and await the winner of the Rangers-Devils series, which is knotted at two games apiece.