Florida Panthers Defeat Arizona Coyotes
The Florida Panthers defeated the Arizona Coyotes 2-1 on Thursday night. The Coyotes have lost two straight games are now 3-5-1.
The Coyotes started the 1st period off on the wrong foot. They were outplayed and took two penalties before the half way mark of the period. They were able to gain some momentum on power play half way through the period but were unable to convert. After the power play, the Panthers were back in control of the game. The Coyotes would be given another power play and they were able to find the back of the net. Martin Hanzal deflected an Oliver Ekman-Larsson shot for a goal. The period would end 1-0 Arizona. Despite the slow start, Arizona finished the period with the game’s momentum. Mike Smith was solid in net after getting shelled by Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
The 2nd period started off uneventful as both teams went back and forth trying to gain offensive zone time. The Panthers would be given another power play and Brandon Pirri would find the back of the net with one second left in the power play. The rest of the period would be more uneventful back and forth play until the final couple minutes of the period. Coyotes’ recent call up Justin Hodgman created a few great scoring chances for Arizona but was unable to break the tie. The period would end in a 1-1 tie.
The 3rd period would remain uneventful until Keith Yandle started a scrum after a check to Brandon Pirri. The Panthers would take a penalty on the following play sending the Coyotes to the power play. Arizona was unable to convert on the power play. Yandle would have a shot blocked just as the penalty time expired and Scottie Upshall was sprung from the penalty box on a breakaway and beat Mike Smith 5-hole to give the Panthers the lead. The Coyotes were consistently bringing pressure within the game’s final 5 minutes but were unable to be Luongo.
The Coyotes next game is on Saturday when they take on the winless Carolina Hurricanes.
Game Notes:
- This was the first regulation win for Florida against Arizona in seven years.
- The Panthers had not played since they played Arizona last Saturday night.
- Mike Smith looked solid in goal coming off a bad night in Tampa on Tuesday.
- Coyotes’ offensive troubles continued.
Goals:
Coyotes:
Hanzal (2)
Panthers:
Pirri (3)
Upshall (1)
Three Stars:
- Upshall – FL
- Luongo – FL
- Hanzal – AZ