Arizona Coyotes Shutout Oilers 4-0 In Smith’s Return
The Arizona Coyotes faced Edmonton on the second night of a back-to-back in Mike Smith’s first game since December 8th.
4. 121. Final. 0. 148
Fresh off a win against Calgary, the Arizona Coyotes squared off in Edmonton on the second night of a back-to-back.
The game was an important one for the Yotes because number one goaltender Mike Smith was making his first start since December 8th against St. Louis.
For the Coyotes, the return of Smith couldn’t have went much better.
They were outshot by Edmonton pretty handily, but managed to pot three goals before the second period had ended.
The Alex Tanguay goal on the Coyotes’ 5-on-3 power play opportunity was a beauty.
Antoine Vermette added his second of the night ten minutes into the 3rd period.
Arizona Coyotes Player of the Game
Mike Smith saved all 44 shots he faced – and despite receiving a scare after a collision with Adam Cracknell – he looked pretty solid and net.
As Tyson Nash said on the broadcast, Smith struggles when he’s flopping and flailing around and is strong when he’s allowing his body to do the work for him.
Tonight, he appeared calm and his movements were more conservative that what we were used to seeing early in the 2015-16. That’s a good sign for the Coyotes moving forward.
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The View From The 200 Level
The Arizona Coyotes found their shooting sticks tonight and it showed. They scored three goals on their first twelve shots and rode that wave all the way to two points.
The Edmonton Oilers, conversely, put up 44 shots but couldn’t get one past Mike Smith. The goaltender returned in a big way and the Yotes were arguably lucky to escape the first period without trailing. That was almost entirely thanks to Smitty.
We have to talk more about the resurgence of Antoine Vermette.
Whether it was Mikkel Boedker holding him down or just a sudden hot streak for the Coyotes’ center, Vermette has been absolutely electric since the trade. He’s now up to 9 points in the past five games. Sources tell me that’s pretty good.
Our first close-up look at Connor McDavid led to the rookie wunderkind being left off the scoresheet which is exactly what you’re wanting if you’re an Arizona Coyotes fan. The McSavior will get another crack at the Yotes on March 22nd at Gila River Arena, however.
Next: Tanguay And French Connection Line Making Impact
The Yotes now have some time off to rest up after their back-to-back wins and Smith’s first start in three months.
They’ll head back home to the desert for a meeting with the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.