Arizona Coyotes Defeat Toronto Maple Leafs
The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 Tuesday night at Gila River Arena.
The Coyotes controlled the start of the 1st period by sustaining pressure in the offensive zone but weren’t able to get a shot on goal until about six minutes into the period. The Coyotes would soon be tested as they took two penalties giving the Maple Leafs a 5-on-3 power play chance. Arizona killed off the Toronto power plays to take back the momentum of the game. Arizona would strike first on a Toronto turn over. Sam Gagner found the back of the net from just outside the crease. Martin Erat also found the back of the net as he took advantage of the Maple Leafs goaltender caught out of position. A quick back hand into the empty net gave the Coyotes a two goal lead. The period ended with Arizona in the lead 2-0 on a power play. Arizona also outshot Toronto 10-3 in the period.
The Coyotes began the 2nd period with 20 seconds left on a power play but were unable to cash in on it. The Leafs evened out the game a bit in the 2nd period. They were able to sustain offensive zone pressure and keep the Coyotes out of their zone. Despite the time of possession by Toronto, they weren’t able to get shots on goal. Antoine Vermette gave the Coyotes a 3-0 lead by picking up his own rebound and wrapping it around from behind the net. Toronto got on the board with a power play goal later in the period. The Coyotes took a 3-1 lead into the intermission. Toronto stepped their game up in that period but the Coyotes weathered the storm and held on to the lead.
Like the 2nd, the 3rd period began with the Coyotes on the power play, but was again unable to convert. The 3rd went by with the Coyotes taking less offensive chances and focusing their game on defense to keep Toronto off the board. Toronto would come through on another power play late in the period to make it a one goal game, though. Toronto really brought pressure in the final minutes of the 3rd period (getting their shot total to 30 after being outshot through a period and a half at 16-4) but couldn’t tie the game.
The Coyotes held onto win their second game in a row. Arizona will hit the road and take on a very tough division rival, the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.
Game Notes
- Toronto entered the game riding a three game winning streak.
- Brandon Gormley made his NHL season debut as he was recalled from Portland on Monday.
- Sam Gagner has scored in back to back games.
- Antoine Vermette has also scored in back to back games.
- Mike Smith was back in goal for Arizona.
- Arizona handed Toronto their first road regulation loss on the year.
Goals:
Coyotes:
- Gagner (2)
- Erat (4)
- Vermette (3)
Maple Leafs:
- Phaneuf (1)
- Franson (2)
Three Stars:
- Erat – AZ
- Smith – AZ
- Gagner – AZ