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Arizona Coyotes Drop Florida Panthers In Overtime

By Richard Duflo

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The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Florida Panthers in overtime Saturday night.

The 1st period was almost even for both teams. Both teams were able to sustain offensive zone pressure and get shots on goal. Goalies for both teams made the saves when their defenses broke down. The Coyotes had two power plays and the Panthers had one. An important note for the Coyotes, they didn’t allow any 1st period goals for the second straight game. Arizona was having difficulties giving up goals early and the team looks to be settling in playing better defense.

The 2nd period started out as more the same from the 1st, back and forth play. Coyotes’ BJ Crombeen appeared to have scored but the goal was disallowed has he deflected the puck in with a high stick. Florida took a few penalties giving the Coyotes two power plays including a brief 16 second 5 on 3. A break down on the power play led to a Florida break away shorthanded but Mike Smith made a blocker save on the shot. The period would end still 0-0.

The 3rd period would begin with a Florida goal. At only 1:47 of the period, Brandon Pirri would beat Mike Smith to open up the scoring. Florida would continue their march to the penalty box and on the Coyotes sixth power play they would find the back of the net. Justin Hodgman would bury the puck in the net for his first career NHL goal. The Coyotes were buzzing after the Hodgman goal for the rest of the period but were unable to grab another. This period would also end in a tie, 1-1.

The overtime would continue the same way as the other periods did, with Florida in the penalty box. The Coyotes would make the Panthers pay on their eighth power play. Oliver Ekman-Larsson would find the back of the net yet again in overtime to end the game.

Game Notes:

  • Justin Hodgman scored his first career NHL goal in his NHL debut.
  • Mike Smith looked like his old self again.
  • Keith Yandle picked up an assist on both Coyotes goals.
  • Coyotes scored both goals on the power play. Going 2/8 on the night.
  • Sam Gagner picked up his first point as a Coyote with an assist.

Goals:

Coyotes

  • Hodgman (1)
  • Ekman-Larsson (2)

Panthers

  • Pirri (2)

Three Stars:

  1. Ekman-Larsson – AZ
  2. Smith – AZ
  3. Hodgman – AZ
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