Coyotes Drop Seventh Straight Game

The Arizona Coyotes were unable to find the win column once again and were defeated by the New York Islanders, 5-1. In what started out as a promising game, it was an abysmal third period the drove the Coyotes to their seventh straight loss.

The pace that began in the first period of the hockey game would last throughout the rest of the contest. Both New York and Arizona contributed to a high-tempo and physical play. In the scoreless period, the Islanders were credited with 26 hits while the Coyotes blocked 14 shots.

Within a minute into the second period, the scoreless tie became a thing of the past. The Islanders were able to take a 1-0 advantage when Travis Hamonic drove to the net and dished the puck to rookie Anders Lee, whose point-blank backhanded shot beat goaltender Mike Smith. Lee’s 20th goal of the season is tied for 1st among NHL rookies.

Feb 24, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Mark Arcobello (36) high fives the bench after scoring during the second period against the New York Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Coyotes acquired some much needed momentum that propelled them to tie the game back at 1-1 after a penalty kill midway through the period. With less than five minutes remaining in the second period, Mark Arcobello sniped a shot past goaltender Chad Johnson for his 12th goal of the season and 4th goal in 6 games as a Coyote.

The third period began with the New York Islanders taking command of the contest within the first ten minutes. In what seemed to be a broken play, the rebounded puck fell on the stick of Matt Martin, who fired home his 8th goal of the season. Less than a minute later, New York’s passing and lack of defensive coverage on Arizona’s part, left Johnny Boychuk to slap a shot for an Islanders 3-1 advantage.