The Arizona Coyotes pummeled the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 to move back within four points of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Arizona Coyotes welcomed the Montreal Canadiens to Glendale for a Monday night matchup with both teams attempting to remain in the playoff hunt.
Unlike the majority of their contests, this time the Yotes got on the scoreboard first.
A point shot from Michael Stone was redirected by Martin Hanzal past Mike Condon.
The Coyotes led 1-0 less than five minutes into the first period.
It was Martin Hanzal’s third goal in four games.
As is par for the course recently, however, bad defensive coverage and early movement by Louis Domingue allowed Dale Weise to score on a half-empty net.
Late in the first, Oliver Ekman-Larsson‘s point shot created a rebound in front of Condon.
Hanzal found the puck and passed it to a wide open Anthony Duclair who put a beautiful shot past Condon. 2-1 Coyotes.
8:04 into the second period, OEL set up Brad Richardson beautifully and he just managed to beat Condon to increase the Coyotes lead to 3-1.
The Canadiens got the goal right back when Domingue gave up a softie to Brendan Gallagher. 3-2. Not to be outdone, Oliver Ekman-Larsson got in on the goalscoring frenzy on the power play less than two minutes after Gallagher’s goal.
Kevin Connauton decided he wanted in on the action and scored the Arizona Coyotes’ fifth goal on the night. The second period ended with the Yotes ahead 5-2.
Antoine Vermette beat Condon five-hole early in the third period to extend the Yotes lead to 6-2.
Player Performance
Louis Domingue gave up two questionable goals but was steady enough to allow Mike Condon to make his own mess and wallow in it. That’ll do, I guess.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored another goal. He had another two assists. He can’t stop, won’t stop. How does he continue to be overlooked again?
Anthony Duclair shoots and he scores. No surprise. He still only managed that one shot, but it was a hell of a good one.
Max Domi racked up the penalty minutes tonight. Not sure if he deserved a double minor – particularly after getting crosschecked in the face – but good on him for sticking up for himself.
Nathan Schoenfeld got the call to play back-up goalie while bathing his twins after Anders Lindback picked up an injury off-ice prior to the game. #40 will now go down in history as the man who helped guide the Coyotes to their first ever season sweep of the Montreal Canadiens.
Arizona Coyotes Player of the Game
Martin Hanzal finished the night with five shots on goal to go along with his one goal and two assists.
Hanzal awakens and the team’s offense awakens? Probably not a coincidence.
The View From The 200 Level
Thirteen players managed a point for the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night. You can’t beat that recipe.
This game was as much about the Canadiens imploding as it was about the Yotes finding their footing, but given the struggles of Montreal the Coyotes needed to come out firing and they did just that.
They took advantage of a strong opponent trending in the wrong direction. That’s exactly what they need to do to remain in the playoff hunt. The power play went 2-for-4 and the penalty kill was perfect in it’s lone attempt. That’s a good night in the desert.
Next: Coyotes Player Grades For Week 19
The team was buzzing in all directions offensively tonight and it all started with Hanzal. Every notable name had a point after that.
Also, did anyone miss Nicklas Grossmann? No? Okay, just checking.
The Arizona Coyotes play the Stars on Thursday night.