Coyotes stay alive, edge Oilers late 3-1
By Troy Baker
What a difference a day makes. May be the calling card for the 2013 Phoenix Coyotes.
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Each time things look bleak a day later hope is renewed. Even after the Kings win a day later the trade deadline sent off 3 veterans. All again seemed down until a spirited effort led to another win. After it seemed the season could be in jeopardy they rebound with a nice win in Edmonton. Now the huge test, win a game you’re suppose to win at Calgary.
The first period was a feeling out process with both goalies making tremendous saves but on this night Mike Smith reigned supreme. Zbynek Michalek was back and he was out there giving up his body again and again. He is truly an inspiration on defense. Speaking of inspiration Rob Klinkhammer may be just that. Seeing Boyd Gordon and David Moss recently it seems like they are reborn. Often wondering when they or that line would get it going and now Gordon is scrappier and the grit he plays with is much needed. “Get the puck on net!” is something many ‘Yotes fans scream at their TV often. Gordon has a knack and his seeing eye puck made it 1-0 PHX.
Speaking of recent young spark Chris Conner is playing some inspiring hockey as well and tonight created many chances and caused havoc with his speed and tenacity. His speed caused a 1 on 1 situation with Dubnyk making the save but later he cause the Oiler goalie to pass it out toe Antoinne Vermette for the easy put in. 2-0 PHX
Tonight was all about Smitty who had some great saves and was sprawling around like a goalie on a desperate team. Only allowing one goal he just missed a shutout on a tough play where Vermette was unable to clear the puck. A few tricky bounces and the puck landed just over the goal line. 2-1 PHX
With the net empty Phoenix failed to hit the waiting abyss but finally after Smitty taking about 10 penalties did they call one for him. On the power play with less than 10 seconds left Moss flipped another crazy angle shot that found a way. Just like the puck the Coyotes have to keep finding ways to get wins. With 8 games left they need to win at a 75% clip. As stated Calgary is a struggling team and a must win. They lost Iginla and reside near the bottom of the entire league. A win would set up a home date with San Jose on a back to back for them. Meaning another winnable game. Games you MUST win and with both now a 3-3 or 4-2 run seems a bit more in reach.
For tonight…..Everybody HOWL!!!!!!