Arizona Coyotes Desert Digest: November, Week II

The Arizona Coyotes don’t really suck anymore!!

Not a bad week, Arizona!

The team saw three wins and a one-goal loss in the past week, *almost* making up for the three losses and a win the team suffered the week prior.

The first win of the team’s three-game streak was reviewed during our last Desert Digest, so I’ll skip right ahead to win number two-

Nov 4, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) is stopped by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Coyotes vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Final Score: 3-2, Arizona

There’s really not a whole lot to say about this win other than THANK GOD, THE SECOND ONE IN A ROW.

It looked a lot like the Leafs didn’t show up for the first half of the game, which was kind of unfortunate for Toronto fans- but extremely advantageous for Coyotes fans. All it took was that little bit of momentum to start off the game, and the Arizona squad took off running- even with two power-play goals late in the game, Toronto was unable to come back and even bring it to a tie.

The Coyotes outshot the Leafs. The Coyotes out-possessed the Leafs. The Coyotes outplayed the Leafs. That’s really all there is to it.

To read the full recap of this game, click here.

*Bonus: Steve Dangle did a recap of the game, which pretty much sums up how Toronto felt about the victory. Once you get past his mockery of the Coyotes’ sweaters, it can make a Coyotes fan feel kinda good*

November 7, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) scores a goal past Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) during the shootout period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Coyotes vs Anaheim Ducks

Final Score: 3-2, Arizona (OT Shooutout)

Not the greatest first period for the Coyotes, but they finally fixed that whole ‘lost momentum’ issue from the Tampa Bay/St. Louis/Winnipeg games.

After going down 2-0 in the first twenty minutes, the Coyotes came back with two unanswered goals in the second period (:58 seconds apart, no less) to bring the game to a very respectable tie. Once the tables were turned, the Ducks were unable to regain their lead, and the game went to overtime.

Five extra minutes yielded no change in the score, so it went to a shootout- where Mike Smith held it down to bring home the Coyotes’ third win in a week. Against the all-powerful Mighty Ducks, no less (I’m sorry not sorry, Disney, I had to say it).

To read the full recap of this wild game, click here.

Dec 12, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek (26) falls to the ice after colliding with Phoenix Coyotes forward Antoine Vermette (50) in the third period at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Coyotes vs New York Islanders

Final Score: 1-0, New York

God, what a close game.

The Coyotes got pretty outshot by the Islanders, came back with the stronger goaltending, held it down on defense… and lost when the Islanders scored the one and only goal of the game in the final three minutes of the third period.

Not the worst loss the Coyotes have seen BY FAR- but unfortunately, you don’t get points for playing well and losing.

Overall, though, this game was a nice reminder to the Coyotes- strong play won’t always yield strong results, but that’s not the only thing that’s important. This game improved the team’s goal differential (which works wonders in a tiebreaker, just to point it out), boosted Mike Smith’s confidence once again, and gave the team a reason to come back on Tuesday and stomp the struggling Dallas Stars.

To read a full (if delayed) recap of this game, click here.

Nov 8, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) stops a shot by Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

News around the league:

Apparently, the Boston Bruins are on the hunt for another defenseman- and rumor has it the Coyotes are willing to part with someone (as they recalled Brandon Gormley, which gave them eight blue liners on the roster). Could be that the team is looking to shop someone, even this early in the season.
Nathan MacKinnon had his first scrape with the NHL legal system, getting himself a boarding major against the Philadelphia Flyers but avoiding an actual league hearing. The video of his hit was pretty gnarly, if a bit elementary school-ish.
The NHL Rumor Mill has caught wind of Antoine Vermette’s strong play this season- and with the Coyotes’ lingering financial struggles, everyone and their brother is speculating where he’ll end up once he hits free agent status.
Speaking of free agent status- the Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury to a four year contract. Okay, Pittsburgh. Do you.

Keep checking back throughout the week for more Coyotes news!

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