Coyotes Fall to Senators in Ottawa

After snapping their season-long seven game losing streak on Thursday night, the Arizona Coyotes returned to the loss column as they were overpowered by the Ottawa Senators in a 7-2 defeat.

The first period began immediately with an Arizona scoreboard advantage. Forty seconds into the game, Zbynek Michalek sent a shot that appeared harmless but a redirection off an Ottawa skater’s hand guided the puck past goaltender Robin Lehner.

Less than thirty seconds later, the Coyotes were unable to clear their defensive zone and the puck found its way to Senators forward Mike Hoffman, who shot one past an unsuspecting Mike Smith for his 17th goal of the season.

Jan 31, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing

Milan Michalek

(9) checks Arizona Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Ottawa forced Arizona to commit five penalties in the first period. The Senators were unsuccessful in their four power plays in the period, with the fifth one being continued in the second period. Arizona was able block to 13 shots in the period which led to Ottawa’s only slight 8-6 shots on goal advantage through the first 20 minutes.

The second period began with Arizona killing off another Ottawa power play play opportunity and a few minutes later having a power play of their own. Although the Coyotes were unsuccessful, they fired seven shots on first their man advantage and were in possession of the momentum.

However, with three minutes left in the period, Ottawa’s Milan Michalek answered his brother’s goal earlier in the game as he threaded through the Arizona defense and beat Smith to give the Senators a 2-1 lead.

Two minutes later, Mark Stone redirected a shot to extend the Senators lead to 3-1. Marc Methot and David Legwand both assisted on Ottawa’s two goals in the second period. Despite a 16-10 shots on goal advantage in the period, Arizona would enter the final period trailing.

The third period began with the Coyotes on a power play that was continued from the previous period but were unable to cash in. This penalty kill was enough for Ottawa to regain momentum and less than two minutes into the period they opened the floodgates.

Jan 31, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) reacts follow a goal scored by the Ottawa Senators in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

An individual effort by Clarke MacArthur into the Arizona defensive zone left Bobby Ryan open to beat Smith five-hole for his 14th goal of the season. Twenty seconds later a backhand shot by Jean-Gabriel Pageau gave Ottawa a 5-1 lead and called for Smith’s departure from the game.

Smith’s pulling gave Louis Domingue the opportunity to make his NHL career debut. Three minutes later a redirection off the stick of Arizona’s Sam Gagner cut the lead to 5-2 and gave Keith Yandle his 28th assist of the season.