The Arizona Coyotes have almost ended 2014 on a high note
At the very least, they’ve done their best — following a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the Coyotes earned a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Starting with a nice shot by Antoine Vermette, the Coyotes came to win — not only at home, but in front of a near-sellout crowd. More than 16,000 fans — including Andrew Barroway — were present as the win brought Arizona to three victories in a row.
The Coyotes were outshot 32-25 on the night, including a barrage of Flyers chances in the first and third period that goalie Devan Dubnyk was able to withstand.
It started with a crazy shot sequence during the first period, when Dubnyk lost his goal stick for several seconds and was still able to make a few saves sans a goal stick. Dubnyk is now nine wins on the season, with four coming this month alone.
"“When you play guys with that much skill you know they were capable of making some plays and making a push, They made a nice play to get the one goal and we were able to hang on,” Devan Dubnyk said.”It feels good , it would’ve been nice to get the shutout but it feels extra good winning like that,”"
Dubnyk stopped 30 of the 32 shots he faced on Monday, which continues his stretch of hot play. Dubnyk has stopped 91 of his last 95 shots faced, good for a .957 SV%.
“He [Dubnyk] had a tough year last year and he came in just looking for an opportunity with a great attitude,” Dave Tippett said. “Hes had up and down games but right now hes real solid and that’s what your looking for,”
Dubnyk had consistent help all night long from his offense, though, as the Coyotes hopped out to a three goal lead early in the third period. Two goals from Antoine Vermette and goals from Shane Doan and Oliver Ekman-Larsson gave the Coyotes the win — but for awhile, the win was overshadowed by Antoine Vermette’s apparent hat trick.
Dec 29, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette (50) scores on Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) as defenseman Mark Streit (32) defends during the second period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The first goal of the game came off a Shane Doan shot from back near the blueline, and was originally credited to him — but by the end of the period, the record had changed to give the credit to Vermette. It stayed Vermette’s goal for awhile, despite Vermette’s protests, until it was determined after the game had ended that Vermette never touched it.
"“Obviously I shot it and it went in but I don’t know how it went in, It went in and it was 1-0 that’s all I know,” Shane Doan said."
Regardless of who ended up getting credit, though, the Coyotes played another very heavy game — in addition to four goals, they recorded 52 hits on Monday.
“We are trying to be more determined in the checking part of the game,” Tippett said “I liked all four lines tonight — we played with pace and our young D are giving us real competitive games.”
The Flyers did try to come back in the third, earning a couple of goals from R.J. Umberger to cut the lead to 3-2 with under five minutes to go. The Coyotes buckled down, though, and an empty netter from Antoine Vermette in the final minute sealed the victory.
Next up is a New Years Eve showdown, as the Dallas Stars try to sweep the Coyotes in a three-game season series.
Doggy biscuits:
Antoine Vermette is the first Coyote to reach ten goals this season
Oliver Ekman-Larsson‘s goal tied him for first with Erik Johnson for most goals in the month of December by a Defenseman.
"“I was trying to touch it obviously but I swung my stick pretty hard, and I know it changed directions somehow. I’m not exactly sure but we won and that’s all that matters.” -Antoine Vermette on if he deflected the first Coyote goal."
Tweet of the Game:
*quietly turns the game back off*
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) December 30, 2014
*If you haven’t followed our editor’s Great Coyotes Curse, it’s gold. The Coyotes had zero GA until she turned the game on.
Shot Chart:
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