Hard to say Mike Smith had a good game giving up 4 goals but you had to see it to believe it. So many point blank saves that outweigh the screened and turnover goals.

The first period started all to familiar for ‘Yotes fans with a early goal scored by Cogliano and he wasn’t done by far. He had a Hat Trick before the end of the 2nd period.

Sandwiched in the middle of that 3 goal output was a nifty backhand goal off Fasth by Matt Lombardi and a dangled wrister by Lauri Korpikoski. Cogliano is one player who loves playing at Jobing.com arena as he scored one last season with another team. There you have it 3-2 after the 2nd stanza and he Coyotes needing an early effort to start the 3rd and oh did they get that. After Anaheim opened the game with a goal in 20 seconds, Phoenix did a bit better with a scrappy goal 15 seconds into the 3rd period when Korpi wristed a deflected pass from Vermette past the sprawling Duck goalie to tie it 3 – 3.

The next goal would be a controversial one that would leave Coyotes fans scratching their heads. With no power plays of their own and several instances it seemed the refs swallowed their whistles Kyle Chipchura was pushed from behind and called for goalie interference. The end of a long power play resulted in the 4th goal for Anaheim that drew boos from the crowd at jobing.com arena. Even later Smitty was slashed obviously no whistle.

Steve Sullivan tried and tried again, and finally succeeded after intense pressure. With the score tied a 4-4 we headed for overtime. This was an exciting game to watch as a fan.

In the overtime back and forth action resulted in the refs finding their whistles and once again not in favor of Phoenix. After weathering intense pressure it headed to a shootout. It got chippy late.

Steve Sullivan was the only successful shooter and the Coyotes escaped with 2 points and a tough division win which felt like a must win. Monday night will mean a lot to both teams. A Phoenix win and it is traction gained and increased momentum. An Anaheim win will be ho hum status quo at the top.

Mike Smith still had 31 saves but Fasth had 33 but both gave up 4 in the end.

Puck drops at 7pm Mon night for the quick rematch at home.

Feb 26, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA; Phoenix Coyotes center Kyle Chipchura (24) Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Chipchura scored a pair of goals and Mike Smith did enough to make the plane ride home a happy one. Much better than the drop to Edmonton or the collapse against Calgary. It may of been easy to mail this one in but showed intestinal fortitude instead. Smitty had 29 saves while Schneider was awesome early but fell apart.

Chippy scored mid 1st on a beauty as he kept the puck and dipped and dunked around the back handed past Schneider. 1-0 after the opening stanza.

Mid 2nd Boedker put a nice shot across the grain to give Phoenix a brief 2 goal lead that the Canucks cut back in half moments later. Garrison made it 2 -1 after 2 periods.

The 3rd period felt as if the Desert Dawgs took the jump that seemed to be all Vancouver prior to the final period. Boedker with a sick pass got the puck falling over to Vermette who squeaked it by Schneider and that would be enough with just over 7 mins to go. Vancouver did strike back as quickly as they had before when Sedin redirected a puck past Smitty. In the end just not enough to keep Phoenix from taking 2 points and heading home with a decent road trip that could of been better but totally acceptable when you take a look at it.

Kyle Chipchura intercepted the puck with less than a minute to go and dangled his way with deeks and ducks to get the empty netter. Really made the 4th line shine in Vancouver and they will go home with a good feeling to chase away the bad taste that resided in Calgary.

Star of the game was Chippy with 2 goals and a good fight. See you at home vs. the Wild Thursday at 7pm.

*****   Rest in Peace Mom. Sheila Baker passed away today in her sleep peacefully. She lost the battle with cancer. She was 62 *****