Anaheim Ducks Defeat Arizona Coyotes
The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Arizona Coyotes 2-1.Tonight was the 2nd game in less than 24 hours for the Coyotes.
The Coyotes played last night, and it really showed in tonight’s game. The Coyotes were on their heels for a majority of the period. Mike got the start and he would be tested very early. He was able to stand tall and keep the Ducks off of the board. Despite not scoring, the Ducks owned the 1st period. The Coyotes couldn’t set anything up offensively. Arizona successfully killed off a penalty but couldn’t pick up any momentum from the penalty kill. The intermission was much needed for Arizona, they were outshot 12-4 in that period.
The 2nd period was more of the same from the 1st. The Ducks badly outplayed the Coyotes into the 2nd period. The Coyotes defense and Mike Smith were able to keep it together and fight off the heavy offensive zone pressure from Anaheim for most of the period. Late in the 2nd, disaster struck for Arizona. Mike Smith fell behind the net on an attempt to play the puck and the Ducks took control and scored an empty net goal. Shortly after that the Ducks scored again. These goals were inevitable with the way the game had been trending.
The 3rd period was by far the best period of the game for Arizona. The best offensive zone chance came for Arizona early into the 3rd period. They were on a power play and generated two shots but couldn’t grab a goal. Arizona continued to sustain pressure and increase their shot total, and eventually broke through to get on the board. Keith Yandle scored from the slot on a great pass by Martin Erat from behind the net. The Coyotes really stepped their game up this period. They were in control of the game’s momentum and came very close to scoring on several chances. Arizona stormed back into the game but it was too little too late.
Game Notes
- Mike Smith got the start in net for Arizona.
- Anaheim outshot Arizona 12-4 in the 1st.
- Arizona only had 10 shots heading into the 3rd.
- Coyotes went 0 for 3 on the power play.
Goals:
Coyotes:
- Yandle (3)
Ducks:
- Palmieri (2)
- Maroon (1)
Three Stars:
- Maroon (ANA)
- Kesler (ANA)
- Palmieri (ANA)