The Arizona Coyotes defeated both the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings in back-to-back road games for the first time in franchise history earlier this week.
Nov 5, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) watches the puck during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
It has been a great week to be an Arizona Coyotes fan. After a disappointing loss to the New York Rangers at home last Saturday, the Coyotes began to regroup for a California road-trip. Their NHL schedule has been tough for the team so far this season. The Arizona Coyotes kicked off their week of action with their fourth back-to-back game of the season.
To make matters worse, these back-to-back games would be on the road against the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings. These two divisional rivals had the home crowd on their side, and were well-rested to take on the Arizona Coyotes. Fans of the Desert Dogs were hoping for at least one point going into this tough two game stretch.
Dave Tippett made a strong move by starting Anders Lindback for the first game of this series. In the prior game against the New York Rangers, Mike Smith would eventually be pulled midway through after giving up three goals on 17 shots. It seemed to be the right decision to start the back-up goaltender against the Anaheim Ducks.
Howlin’ Hockey breaks down the goaltending performance of the Arizona Coyotes during their back-to-back road games in California.
November 9, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Anders Lindback (29) defends the goal against Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Anders Lindback got the nod for the first game of this trip. Lindback’s previous game was the Saturday before in relief for the shaky performance by Mike Smith. After Smith was pulled, Lindback finished the game stopping 12 of 13 shots for a .923 save percentage.
Lindback was ready to go as soon as the team hopped off the plane in Anaheim. Anders looked sharp, and never gave up on the game after being down early. Seven minutes in to the game, Lindback found himself in a 2-0 hole but did not quit. He would go on to pitch a scoreless second period and provide 44 consecutive minutes between his second and third goal allowed.
In the end, this game against the Anaheim Ducks would require extra time. Mikkel Boedker would ultimately seal the deal for the Coyotes in overtime and give Anders Lindback the win. Lindback would finish the game with a .917 save percentage, stopping 33 of 36 shots faced.
After a successful game against the Anaheim Ducks, the Arizona Coyotes looked to regroup and prepare for the Los Angeles Kings.
Nov 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save in the second period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The starter for the second game of the California road-trip was not as easy of a decision as many have thought. Dave Tippett and the rest of the management team considered giving Lindback another start after his performance against the Anaheim Ducks. Ultimately, the Arizona Coyotes went with the well-rested starter, Mike Smith.
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Mike Smith has been inconsistent to start this season. His hot and cold streaks have both helped and hurt the team. Fortunately for the Arizona Coyotes, Mike Smith was on fire in this game against the Los Angeles Kings. This would be Smith’s 400th National Hockey League game in his career.
Mike Smith had a fantastic game against the Los Angeles Kings Tuesday night. The defense for the Arizona Coyotes left him out to dry on numerous occasions, but Smith was able to bail them out by making show-stopping saves. Smitty was alert at all times to protect the net from the turnovers in front of him.
Smith would end up facing 35 shots this game as the Kings were eager to keep the pressure solely on him. In return, Mike would only let two pucks get by him this entire game. His rebound control and awareness improved from what it was against the New York Rangers this past Saturday. Mike Smith would finish the game with a .943 save percentage. Notably, this would be Mike Smith’s 100th win with the Arizona Coyotes franchise.
