Arizona Coyotes’ Defense Powers Them Past Edmonton

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The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 Sunday night.

The game began in a similar fashion as the last few have for Arizona, the Oilers sustained pressure with quality shot after quality shot. The defense of Arizona continued to play very well keeping Edmonton off the board early. Devan Dubnyk also made very good saves on his former team. Brandon Gormley scored his 1st career NHL goal on a power play late in the period giving Arizona a 1-0 lead. Arizona took the lead into the intermission.

The 2nd period followed the script just as the 1st did. Edmonton was firmly in control of the period. They were aggressive, but the Coyotes defense was up to the task keeping the score locked at 1-0. Arizona had a minute of 5 on 3 power play time but were again out played by Edmonton despite having two extra skaters. Dubnyk and the defense survived the 2nd period with the 1-0 lead intact.

The 3rd period was more of the same. Edmonton brought pressure all period long and the Coyotes defense answered. Mikkel Boedker added to the Coyotes lead late in the 3rd making it a 2-0 game. Edmonton eventually broke through the defense and Dubnyk, Taylor Hall cut the lead in half on a power play. That’s all they would get though, as the Coyotes were able to hold on and take the win.

Game Notes

  • Devan Dubnyk got the start in net for the 2nd consecutive game.
  • Brandon Gormley scored his 1st NHL goal.
  • Recent call up Lucas Lessio was a healthy scratch.
  • Rob Klinkhammer left the game in the 1st period and did not return.
  • This was the first game back in Edmonton for former Oilers Sam Gagner and Devan Dubnyk.
  • Brandon Gormley had to be helped off the ice after he was hit from behind and went awkwardly into the boards and did not return.
  • Coyotes defense blocked 25 shots in the game.
  • With the win, the Coyotes now have a 15 game point streak against Edmonton.
  • Arizona ends the Canadian road trip taking 4 out of 6 possible points.

 

Goals:

Coyotes:

  • Gormley (1)
  • Boedker (7)

Oilers:

  • Hall (7)

Three Stars:

  1. Dubnyk (AZ)
  2. Hall (EDM)
  3. Gormley (AZ)