Mike Smith Slash: Coyotes Goalie Hits Kings' Dustin Brown In Leg During Game 2 (VIDEO)

In an uncharacteristic performance, the Phoenix Coyotes unravelled as they tried to hold their ground against the waves of attack from the surprise juggernaut eighth-seeded Kings in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The Coyotes took a combined total of 13 penalties in regulation for a staggering 56 penalty minutes.

The most egregious infractions were committed by Phoenix's Shane Doan and Martin Hanzal, each given a major penalty and a game misconduct for questionable boarding hits, followed by two subsequent ejections. However, it was goalie Mike Smith's actions late in the second period that may have been the most surprising.

In the final minutes of the period while the Kings had a 5-on-3 advantage, Smith raised his stick and with a hacking slash, chopped the back of Dustin Brown's knee, who immediately fell to the ice. Despite Brown's back being turned to Smith as he hovered near the crease, he was issued a two-minute diving penalty for embellishment, much to everyone's surprise. Smith received a slashing call, but Brown's minor nullified the slashing penalty.

The Kings would go on to win the game, 4-0, matching the NHL record for consecutive road playoff games.