Arizona Coyotes end two game roady with a shutout loss in Minnesota

Mike Smith has been the focal point of many fans’ ire so far this season.

Prior to getting the start in Minnesota on Thursday, he had given up 16 goals in three games- but Smitty took a step in the right direction on Thursday, stopping 27 of 29 shots in a 2-0 loss. Unfortunately, he was bested by the hottest goaltender in the league, Darcy Kuemper.

Kuemper finished off his third shutout of the season, stopping all 26 shots the Coyotes put on goal. He now boasts a ridiculous GAA of 0.67 and a save percentage of .972.

The Coyotes managed to produce a solid first period with the help of Mike Smith, who went 12-12 in saves; a pretty big feat, considering the Coyotes have been outscored in the first period this season 10-5.

The good vibes didn’t last long, though, as the Wild got on the board early in the second period from a deflection off the stick of Charlie Coyle. The goal also continued a disturbing trend of the Coyotes allowing the first goal of the game- they have done so in five of their six games.

That goal was followed up minutes later by a shot by Jason Pominville that deflected off the stick of Defensemen Zbynek Michalek

Oct 23, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on Arizona Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedker (89) during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

and past Mike Smith.

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Down 2-0, the Coyotes had several chances to get back into the game- including a goal at 2:59 in the third period that was called off due to goalie interference by B.J. Crombeen. After looking at the replays, it appeared to be a bad call… but the Coyotes never recovered.

They still had their chances though- a Coyotes power play midway through the final frame came up empty, with much of the two minutes spent in their own zone. They honestly looked like the old Coyotes, pre-Newell Brown. The bad call on Crombeen and the horrific power play pretty much sealed the Coyotes’ fate, as they continued to get chances near the end of the game but couldn’t bury them.

The Coyotes record now stands at 2-3-1 on the season, as they return home on Saturday to face the Florida Panthers.

Dogggy Biscuits:

The shutdown line of years past in the faces of Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Zbynkek Michalek was split up on Thursday. Michalek played alongside David Schlemko, while OEL played with Connor Murphy. Our staff had previously discussed this possibility on the most recent episode of the Howlin Hockey Podcast- but none of us thought it would come this early.

The Coyotes were able to right themselves on the penalty kill, going 3-3 on Thursday.

Tweet of the game:

Dave Tippett Postgame:

http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/podcastplayer2.htm?pid=337

Mike Smith Postgame:

http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/podcastplayer2.htm?pid=335