Yandle scores twice, LaBarbera stops 39 shots in Coyotes' critical 3-1 win over Kings

Phoenix Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera, left, makes a body save on a breakaway shot by Los Angeles Kings center Brad Richardson, right, in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) (The Associated Press)

Phoenix Coyotes defenseman David Schlemko, left, checks Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards, right, as they chase down a loose puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) (The Associated Press)

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Jason LaBarbera stopped 39 shots, Keith Yandle scored his second goal late in the third period and the Phoenix Coyotes opened a critical homestand with a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.

Needing to make up ground in the Western Conference standings, the Coyotes played their usual close-to-the-vest game and managed to hold on for their second win in 10 games after blowing two one-goal leads last week.

Matthew Lombardi put Phoenix ahead with his fourth goal of the season in the second period and Yandle followed his 50th career goal in the first with a tough-angle shot that beat Jonathan Quick with less than 3 minutes left.

LaBarbera made some tough saves in his fifth straight start in place of injured starter Mike Smith, the only goal against him a shot by Justin Williams that deflected off a Coyotes defenseman in the first period.