Arizona Coyotes Get Shutout By Schneider, Devils 2-0
After the Arizona Coyotes lost in overtime to the Red Wings, they were back in Gila River Arena on a short turnaround for a noon puck drop against the New Jersey Devils. Anders Lindback started in net, while Kevin Connauton played his first game in a Coyotes uniforn.
The Arizona Coyotes have had a season filled with comebacks. Thursday night, they gave up one of their own.
Saturday afternoon they were unable to return the same favor to the New Jersey Devils, and goaltender Cory Schneider stopped all 38 shots he faced to shutout the Coyotes in their own barn. It was just the second time the team has been shutout this season.
Reid Boucher scored his first goal of the season just 3:52 into the contest to give the Devils an early 1-0 lead.
From that point, the game was almost entirely in the control of the Arizona Coyotes for the middle of the contest. Then, 18 seconds into the third period when Anders Lindback failed to cover the post and allowed Kyle Palmieri to score and give New Jersey a 2-0 lead.
The Coyotes couldn’t crack the Devil’s puzzle despite having five power play opportunities throughout the game.
New Jersey wins 2-0.
Player Performance
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Antoine Vermette had a gruesome afternoon to add to the pile of subpar performances he’s handed in this season. Whether it’s Cup hangover, age, or something else, it’s very hard to explain why Dave Tippett keeps trotting him out in the lineup when he’s benched others for less.
When Oliver Ekman-Larsson disappeared from the bench at the end of the first period, Arizona Coyotes fans everywhere went into a panic. Thankfully he returned to start the second frame. It wasn’t OEL’s best night as he was on the ice for both of the Devil’s goals, however it’d be a scary world without him manning the blueline for the Yotes. Very scary.
Michael Stone got every good look the team had at the end of the first period. On the one hand, it was great seeing someone other than OEL driving the offense and keeping the Devils parked in their own end. On the other hand, you’d really rather see those three or four shots going to an actual goal-scorer.
Tobias Rieder was humming this afternoon and had five shots on net. He was “thisclose” to scoring on more than one occasion, but no dice.
Kevin Connauton played well in his first game with the Coyotes. You could see his puck moving ability, and he utilized his size to take the body on more than one occasion. That delay of game penalty was a little embarrassing, but ultimately I feel he will prove to be the better investment over Stefan Elliott.
Anders Lindback stopped all but two of the shots he faced. That sounds great, but he only faced 16 shots. The second goal was a definite must save. That was a head-hanger for Lindback. Hopefully we won’t see him starting another game until there’s a back-to-back or Louis Domingue finally has a true rough patch.
Arizona Coyotes Player of the Game
There were no truly standout players for the Coyotes. Several good performances and some decent ones, but no one really stood apart and that’s kind of how Tippett hockey is supposed to work.
The View From The 200 Level
The Arizona Coyotes played a strong game. They had 95 shot attempts and 38 shots on Cory Schneider’s net.
Ultimately, Schneider’s play was the difference as Lindback was and is absolutely no match for the Devil’s netminder. I honestly question why Lindback was even in net to begin with, though I can give some merit to wanting to allow Domingue some rest and give Lindback some reps.
I just don’t feel the Coyotes are in a position where they can give away a game like this; particularly after giving away a point on Thursday night.
There’s no real reason for the team to hang their heads after this performance. They absolutely dominated the Devils. The Yotes controlled the run of play, kept New Jersey under siege for long periods of time, and certainly made Schneider work hard for the victory.
With a bounce here or there, this game becomes a lopsided victory in favor of Arizona. The bounces don’t always go your way, however, and here we are.
After his performance in the past two games, I’d sit Vermette for virtually anyone else if I’m Dave Tippett. He’s been a disaster in his own end and that continued on Saturday afternoon. He was on the ice for both goals against. To top it off, he continues to whiff and otherwise fail to convert premium chances.
Next: Which Coyote Replaces John Scott At The All-Star Game?
Give someone else a shot and let Vermy sit and eat some nachos. His ironman streak is over. There’s no real downside and perhaps the rest will do him good.
The Coyotes suit up again on Monday night at Gila River Arena against the Buffalo Sabres. Jack Eichel versus Max Domi part deux. Be there.