After snapping their season-long seven game losing streak on Thursday night, the Arizona Coyotes returned to the loss column as they were overpowered by the Ottawa Senators in a 7-2 defeat.
The first period began immediately with an Arizona scoreboard advantage. Forty seconds into the game,Zbynek Michaleksent a shot that appeared harmless but a redirection off an Ottawa skater’s hand guided the puck past goaltenderRobin Lehner.
Less than thirty seconds later, the Coyotes were unable to clear their defensive zone and the puck found its way to Senators forwardMike Hoffman, who shot one past an unsuspectingMike Smithfor his 17th goal of the season.
Jan 31, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing
Milan Michalek(9) checks Arizona Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Ottawa forced Arizona to commit five penalties in the first period. The Senators were unsuccessful in their four power plays in the period, with the fifth one being continued in the second period. Arizona was able block to 13 shots in the period which led to Ottawa’s only slight 8-6 shots on goal advantage through the first 20 minutes.
The second period began with Arizona killing off another Ottawa power play play opportunity and a few minutes later having a power play of their own. Although the Coyotes were unsuccessful, they fired seven shots on first their man advantage and were in possession of the momentum.
However, with three minutes left in the period, Ottawa’sMilan Michalekanswered his brother’s goal earlier in the game as he threaded through the Arizona defense and beat Smith to give the Senators a 2-1 lead.
Two minutes later,Mark Stoneredirected a shot to extend the Senators lead to 3-1.Marc MethotandDavid Legwandboth assisted on Ottawa’s two goals in the second period. Despite a 16-10 shots on goal advantage in the period, Arizona would enter the final period trailing.
The third period began with the Coyotes on a power play that was continued from the previous period but were unable to cash in. This penalty kill was enough for Ottawa to regain momentum and less than two minutes into the period they opened the floodgates.
Jan 31, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) reacts follow a goal scored by the Ottawa Senators in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
An individual effort byClarke MacArthurinto the Arizona defensive zone leftBobby Ryanopen to beat Smith five-hole for his 14th goal of the season. Twenty seconds later a backhand shot byJean-Gabriel Pageaugave Ottawa a 5-1 lead and called for Smith’s departure from the game.
Smith’s pulling gaveLouis Dominguethe opportunity to make his NHL career debut. Three minutes later a redirection off the stick of Arizona’sSam Gagnercut the lead to 5-2 and gaveKeith Yandlehis 28th assist of the season.
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With eight minutes still remaining in the game, Senators captainErik Karlssonwelcomed Domingue to the NHL with a slap shot that beat the rookie and gave Ottawa a 6-2 lead. This goal also gave Methot his 3rd assist of the afternoon, a career high.
With a little more than a minute left in the game, an outstanding individual effort by Ryan leftMika Zibanejadopen for his 13th goal of the season and finish the scoring on the behalf of the Senators, who defeated the Coyotes 7-2.
Arizona (17-26-6) will head to Montreal to take on the Canadiens on Sunday while Ottawa (20-19-9) will head to New Jersey to take on the Devils.
Goals:
Arizona Coyotes:
- Zbynek Michalek (2nd)
- Sam Gagner (9th)
Ottawa Senators:
- Mike Hoffman (17th)
- Milan Michalek (7th)
- Mark Stone (12th)
- Bobby Ryan (14th)
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau (2nd)
- Erik Karlsson (12th)
- Mika Zibanejad (13th)
Three Stars
- Marc Methot
- Robin Lehner
- Mark Stone
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