Coyotes with Hanzal outlast Blue Jackets in offensive assault
By Troy Baker
After the first early goal I looked to my neighbor at Jobing.com and said “Looks like a 5-3 game tonight the way these guys are playing defense!”
That was the sentiment after an early Jared Boll goal only 2 minutes in. I even added the Yotes would have an empty netter to get them there. Little did I know I would be right.
Jan. 20, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes center Steve Sullivan (26) scores his third goal on the night on Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason (1) during the third period at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes beat the Blue Jackets 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Luckily for the Coyotes they scored 2 goals on their first 2 shots. Moss and Vrbata gave Phoenix the lead with goals just over a minute apart and at the 7 min mark it was 2 – 1 Good Guys.
Matt Calvert and Kyle Chipchura both scored to end a crazy 1st period 3 – 2 Desert Dawgs.
Things settled down in the 2nd period but not before a frenzied Columbus squad kept pressure until they tied it at 3 by Derek MacKenzie. Not bad for Columbus having been out shot 34-20 and having their net minder peppered allowing 4 goals. Mike Smith only face 20 shots but allowed 3 of them past. Not his best effort but that 1st period was a defensive nightmare.
The 3rd period was all Martin Hanzal who broke the tie with a power play goal mid period and then iced it with a late empty net goal to snare the game’s 1st star. Keith Yandle secured the 2nd star with 3 assists and a plus 2 to go with 9 shots on goal. He has his moments on defense and the fans are so tough on him. Yet he brings so much offensive pressure. Also nice to see Moss get into the action. Now Vermette is on the hot seat as most under performing piece of the puzzle. Nice to see Biznasty with a few good shifts that nearly produced a goal.
It was a much needed must win at home against a struggling team. Next up Calgary who has their troubles at net. Must protect home ice which the record shows they have not done so.
See you Monday at Jobing.com and everybody HOWLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL