Coyotes Strike Back, defeat Detroit, the Evil Empire 4-2 Part I
By Troy Baker
New players Johnson, Conner, and Brown up from the AHL to replace veterans Torres, Lombardi, and Sullivan. No problem as Phoenix send Detroit and fans home in a body bag.
Apr. 4, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Mikkel Boedker (89) checks Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith (2) during the first period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
If your a Suns fan you hate the Spurs but maybe the Lakers even more. For Coyotes fans you really dislike the Kings but you hate the Red Wings more than anything with skates.
Tonight you saw a determined team who proudly proclaimed, “We aren’t throwing in the towel!” This coming a day after it appeared Phoenix were sellers and traded vets for picks. From the opening puck drop Martin Hanzal took the puck and bull dozed his way to the net getting a shot across the Dead Things bow.
Once again the refs showed us not all plays are created equal. With Rob Klinkhammer maneuvering to the Detroit net he made a series of moves to avoid the defense including a move that went around the defender but was slowed just enough to get caught from ugly #2 and broke up the play. Later same thing would get Phoenix 2 minuted for interference. The Hammer interfered right back with a quick tug which of course he gets called for. Said power play resulted in an unlucky bounce and Filppula backhanded a power play goal just 2 minutes into the game. 1-0 Detroit. The period would end that period down a goal but happy with their effort.
Apr. 4, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes center Kyle Chipchura (24) celebrates with goalie Chad Johnson (31) after beating the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Regarding the refs, in the end 14 minutes for Phoenix and 10 for Detroit in Penalty minutes so not the end of the world. Watching games you absolutely LOVE seeing the refs let the players control the outcome and take a step back. Those games are amazing but when ticky tack or inconstant calls are made it can frustrate players, coaches, and fans. I am never one to blame refs, in this game I think it fueled the Coyotes.