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Shane Doan wouldn’t let the Coyotes get swept

Shane Doan, Michal Rozsival

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20: Shane Doan #19, Derek Morris #53 and Michal Rozsival #32 of the Phoenix Coyotes celebrate Doan’s second period goal while taking on the Los Angeles Kings in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on May 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Prior to Game 3, Coyotes coach Dave Tippett predicted that Shane Doan would “have his best game of series.” Well, better late than never.

Doan was the only Phoenix Coyotes player who could beat Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick on Sunday. Combine that with a stellar performance from netminder Mike Smith and the Coyotes managed to stave off elimination.

His offensive contributions were key, but Tippett was quick to point out that Doan did more than just score goals in Phoenix’s 2-0 victory. Doan was an inspiration for guys in the dressing room, which is probably no small accomplishment when you’re team is fighting under the weight of a 3-0 series deficit.

“When you can do that behind-the-scenes stuff, bag it up with the on-the-ice stuff, it speaks volumes for who he is,” Tippet said in the post-game press conference. “We don’t have to sit here and talk about Shane Doan. Our players know, the league knows how strong-willed a guy he is. He went into this game thinking, We don’t want to be swept. That was the effort he put forth. Great to see.”

Doan also spoke immediately following the game. You can check out what he had to say below:

All-in-all, this was a good day for Phoenix, but by itself this victory doesn’t mean a lot. The Los Angeles Kings still have a commanding 3-1 series lead. Doan and the Coyotes still have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to upset the Los Angeles Kings.