Arizona Coyotes Outlast Vancouver Canucks 3-2

The Arizona Coyotes traveled to Vancouver to face off against the Canucks on Monday night. The Canucks sat just one point behind the second place Coyotes in the Pacific Division heading into the matchup.

Final. 2. 104. 3. 121

The Arizona Coyotes came into Monday night facing the most meaningful game of the 2015-16 season to date. With the Vancouver Canucks just one point back of the second place Yotes, the desperation was certainly there for both teams.

The early going in the first period was pretty rough for the Coyotes. They opened with several turnovers in their own zone – including two by Laurent Dauphin in just his third NHL game.

Both teams had several scoring chances, and captain Shane Doan got two nice looks at Jacob Markstrom but he was unable to convert.

The first period ended scoreless.

6:55 into the second period, Brad Richardson passed the puck to Doan from behind the net but Doan couldn’t handle the pass. It went directly to Connor Murphy, who sent it back at the net. Doan redirected it past Markstrom for the Coyotes 1-0 lead.

A few minutes later, Bo Horvat went in and couldn’t be denied by Arizona Coyotes goaltender Louis Domingue. His goal tied the game 1-1.

19 seconds after the Canucks power play goal, Coyotes rookie Laurent Dauphin bagged his first NHL goal after doing the most cliched thing in hockey – he took the puck to the net.

His initial attempt was denied, but Tobias Rieder’s follow up attempt caromed to Dauphin and he slammed it home.

Dauphin’s goal made it 2-1 Arizona Coyotes and the score remained that way for the duration of the second.

The third began with an abbreviated 4-on-4 and then the Coyotes took to the power play.

A scramble in front of the net allowed Rieder to go in clear on Markstrom, and his stymied attempt laid right on the goal line for Shane Doan to tap in for his second goal of the night. 3-1 Coyotes.

After a Michael Stone goal was overturned by coach’s challenge, Daniel Sedin promptly scored and cut the lead to 3-2 at 4:41 in the third period.

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From there, Louis Domingue stood tall and the defense held.

Arizona Coyotes win 3-2!

Player Performance

Laurent Dauphin had a rough, rough start to this game. He turned the puck over twice in the Arizona Coyotes own zone in his first shift on the ice. And then he scored his first NHL goal. What a night for Flippers.

Michael Stone had a night that he would rather forget. Bad decisions and bad play overall from #26. His failure to clear the puck led directly to Bo Horvat’s power play goal in the second period. He also had a goal overturned in the third period.

Did we ever think that Anders Lindback would be the answer in net? I’ve forgotten after these blistering performances by Louis Domingue. He’s still well within the “small sample size” argument, but his six starts have been the most consistent string of outings the Arizona Coyotes have had in net this season. Domingue saved 35 of 37 on the night, and the only reason he isn’t the biggest story of the Coyotes going forward is the amazing performances of his captain.

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Brad Richardson got his 100th career assist and has four points in his last three games.

Boyd Gordon‘s stat sheet doesn’t say much. He got ripped in the faceoff dot, and he didn’t get any points. He did have a few key blocks, though, and the Coyotes sorely needed some reinforcements at center. Plus Louis Domingue said he was a warrior out there tonight. Welcome back Gordo!

Jordan Martinook did not get on the scoresheet tonight, but his presence on the line with Richardson and Doan created the most effective tool for head coach Dave Tippett throughout the contest.

Arizona Coyotes Player of the Game

This could’ve been a few players. Dauphin with his first NHL goal. Domingue with another strong night in net. Instead it’s gotta be the captain, Shane Doan, once again showing just how good 39 years old can look.

Doan scored two more goals and now has 15 on the season in just 29 games. He had 14 goals in 79 games last year. Talk about hopping in a rejuvenation machine.

The captain probably won’t continue shooting at 19.7% throughout the season (his career shooting percentage is 10.3), but he seems a virtual lock to score 20 plus goals for the 13th time in his storied NHL career.

The View From The 200 Level

This was a huge win for the Arizona Coyotes.

It was made even bigger by the overturned Michael Stone goal that led into Daniel Sedin cutting the lead to one.

The Coyotes could have easily buckled. Collapsed. Lost the two points within their grasp and started a downhill spiral in the standings. Instead, they did what they’ve done all season. They came through in the clutch.

This team is not great and it’s likely not going to go anywhere of real significance in the playoffs if they make it in.

But the combination of youth, Dave Tippett, and some timely veteran contributions (and that Shane Doan guy) gives them a puncher’s chance in most any matchup in the regular season.

When you combine that tenacity with the consistent goaltending the team has lacked all year? You’re going to win some hockey games and maybe you’ll scratch and claw your way into the playoffs when everyone expected you to be battling for the first pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Next: Shane Doan Named NHL's 2nd Star of the Week

There’s a long way to go and the Coyotes may yet hit that downward spiral of doom before all is said and done.

For now, though, we rejoice. This team is fun to watch. Now I need to go lie down.

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