Coyotes Strike Back, defeat Detroit, the Evil Empire 4-2 Part II
By Troy Baker
The Coyotes followed every penalty kill with a push that resulted in a goal or a near goal. The second period was ALL Phoenix. Speed and effort seemed to be the recipe Dave Tippett served at first intermission.Keith Yandle and Mikkel Boedker both had a great night setting up their friends and early second period they hooked up to feed Michael Stone for a slapshot from the point and we were all tied 1-1.
Apr. 4, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) makes a save on Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Boedker and newcomer Conner provided a ton of speed in the open ice all night and it put Detroit on their hills as Boedker fed the new kid for his first goal and a beauty mid 2nd period. Following the second goal for this line, the 1st line decided to get involved and a nice stretch pass by Yandle to the far blue line reached Hanzal who shimmied it to Doan who put home the game winner late second period. 3 – 1 Coyotes, completing a wonderfully played and dominant 2nd period.
In the third and final period it was status quo as the Coyotes who love to smother teams with the lead did just that. They give the dirty sticks I call it. Every pass, shot, and possession seems to have some poking and prodding to thwart all efforts from the opposition. As I said early on Hanzal fired the first shot but let’s not forget Paul Bissonnette. He came out with energy and with his team down 1-0 challenged Tootoo to too a fight after he was causing havoc. Tootoo ran away scared and even after an attempt to blindside Biznasty he was greeted with a dirty shoulder that sent him to his Cancan and set the tone going forward.
Apr. 4, 2013; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Chad Johnson (31) celebrates with right wing Shane Doan (19) and defenseman Derek Morris (53) Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Late in the game on a LATE power play and their goalie Howard pulled, Detroit came within 1 goal with just over a minute left to cause some tension. But with 9 seconds left after a face off loss Hanzal acquired the puck and sent it deep into the empty net. Coyotes WIN! 4-2 and sending a group of Red Wings and a chunk of fans who always show for this game home to root for the Wolverines in the Final Four.
I admit I was a bit concerned and down after the trade deadline. I asked for it and Dave Tippett waved his magic wand. Starting Chad Johnson and shaking things up enough to get his boys to work hard.
EVERYBODY HOWL! We ain’t dead yet!