Arizona Coyotes Beat Calgary Flames 2-1; Hanzal Comes Back Strong

The Arizona Coyotes completed their Canadian road trip with a Pacific Division matchup against the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.

The Arizona Coyotes took the ice at the Saddledome in Calgary looking to finish off their Canadian road trip with a winning record.

Coming out with excellent offensive zone pressure in the first period, the Coyotes looked to be on their way to dominating the stanza when Jordan Martinook took a hooking penalty.

On the ensuing Flames power play, Sean Monahan hit Johnny Gaudreau with a beautiful cross ice feed for a wide open look that beat Louis Domingue. 1-0 Calgary.

With a power play opportunity late in the first period, a bit of cycling led to a simple Oliver Ekman-Larsson wrister which beat Karri Ramo.

The Coyotes outshot the Flames 14-6 and controlled the run of play for the majority of the period but the score was tied 1-1 at the end of the first.

The second saw the Flames come out with renewed vigor, but Domingue and the Arizona Coyotes weathered the storm and the second period was a scoreless affair.

1:47 into the third period, Stefan Elliott‘s point shot got through thanks to the net front presence of Martin Hanzal for the Coyotes second goal and the 2-1 lead. Hanzal redirected the shot into the net.

His goal proved to be the game winner as the Yotes defense and Domingue shut the door.

Arizona Coyotes win 2-1!

Player Performance

Oliver Ekman-Larsson moved into sole possession of 6th place all-time in the Coyotes franchise for goals scored by a defenseman. As was noted on Twitter, it’s amazing how OEL does this with accuracy and soft wrist shots versus the booming slapshots we typically see from the point and defensemen like Shea Weber and Dustin Byfuglien.

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Mikkel Boedker was all over the ice on Thursday night. He only had an assist on the night, but his impact was far greater.

Nicklas Grossmann has been a welcome presence on the Arizona Coyotes blueline this season, but there are the occasional gaffes. One such was his first period penalty for interference after he panicked when he failed to stop the puck at the point in the offensive zone. It was a senseless penalty which thankfully did not result in a Flames power play goal.

Anthony Duclair had two assists and looked much better with Hanzal once again by his side. If Hanzal stays on the ice, perhaps we’ll see the Duke get back to scoring goals in bunches.

Stefan Elliott was at one point credited with the game-winning goal. I love seeing him in the offensive end. I dislike seeing him trying to prevent pucks going into the net in front of his own goalie. His trade counterpart, Brandon Gormley, was waived by the Colorado Avalanche today, however…guess Stefan wins this round.

Rookie Jordan Martinook had himself a pretty strong night as well, with his name popping up early and often. His hustle is why he’s in the lineup, and he put that engine on display tonight.

Louis Domingue is the man. Seven starts. 5-0-2 record. Saved 25 of 26 tonight. He’s just solid back there and “makes the timely save” the talking heads are always talking about. LOUUUUU!

Arizona Coyotes Player of the Game

Martin Hanzal came back to the lineup and was immediately the catalyst for two goals. His net front presence allowed OEL to score in the first, and then he went right back there again and redirected Stefan Elliott’s shot to put the puck in the back of the net in the second.

This team is much different with Marty on the ice. Please stay healthy.

The View From The 200 Level

It was refreshing to watch the Coyotes dominate the run of play for most of the game. The Yotes have spent so much time in front of their own net or being outshot that it was nice to see the shoe on the other foot.

Right now, with Louis Domingue playing stellar and Martin Hanzal returning, the Coyotes have a great chance to go on a run in this upcoming homestand.

Seven games at home in a row is a great time to rack up the points, so if the Yotes are really intent on making this playoff push now is the time to separate themselves from the pack.

Next: Were OEL Or Domi Snubbed By Lack Of All-Star Selection?

I found it interesting that OEL netted a goal again tonight just after being snubbed for the All-Star game.

While the game is (for the most part) not taken seriously, I am sure players who were on the bubble and left out like himself have a little chip on their shoulder…particularly since he was facing off against Mark Giordano tonight, who made the team ahead of Ekman-Larsson despite having a worse season.

The Preds are coming up next and will be a great test as they dominate possession, but often lack the goal-scoring to complement all that pressure. Now, though, they have a new addition.

The Arizona Coyotes face the Nashville Predators and their new look attack with Ryan Johansen at Gila River Arena on Saturday night. See you there.