Now that’s more like it. Coyotes stifle Stars 2-0
By Troy Baker
Not a Star in the sky or on the ice that shined as the Coyotes shut out the boys from Big D 2 – 0 and it could of been worse. It was all Phoenix taking 34 shots while Dallas only managed 17 total.
February 2, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Raffi is back and showed his grit right away. Mike Smith is back and showed fire and aggressiveness. Coyotes take 3 of 4 points in the back to back. A lot of it had to do with stingy defense sticks on the ice, Pack mentality, and another overall team performance. The Yotes have clicked like this a few times this season including a 2-1 loss to Edmonton. This may not of been their most complete game with Dallas on tired legs, but hey we played last night too. When the defense is playing like this, Mike Smith is saving like that, it will be a long night for a lot of teams.
Division wins in regulation are at a premium in this shortened season. A few wins in a row and you can find your self in a playoff spot or even higher. Nick Johnson may start getting fantasy attention if he stays this hot with his 3rd goal on the season mid 2nd period to open up the scoring. Any time the Desert Dawgs get a lead the game changes and they play very stingy defense. Early 3rd period Boedker grabbed a rebound to score a power play goal to give the Yotes a 2-0 lead and it was all Coyotes after that. Instead of playing passive or letting the Stars take the puck to them, they stayed aggressive and kept the pressure on the Stars. Glad to see guys crashing the front of the net.
Mike Smith earned the shutout but gets a lot of help from his friends. Even with only 12,000 fans, home ice seems to fuel Smitty as he earned the first star. 2nd star went to Nick Johnson as he’s starting to become a sturdy force for the Coyotes. With the Super Bowl off the Coyotes return to Jobing.com Monday to take on the Minnesota Wild at 7pm. $35 lower bowl tickets as well as $15 upper tickets available. Student can get best seat available in the house for $25. Come out and join the HUNT!