Howlin' Hockey
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“Real” Arizona Coyotes Make Appearance at Gila River Arena and Beat Blackhawks

By Scott Thompson

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: (L-R) Clayton Keller #9, Phil Kessel #81, Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23, Christian Dvorak #18 and Derek Stepan #21 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrate after Kessel scored a power play goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: (L-R) Clayton Keller #9, Phil Kessel #81, Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23, Christian Dvorak #18 and Derek Stepan #21 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrate after Kessel scored a power play goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The posers pretending to be the Coyotes on Tuesday night left Gila River Arena immediately afterward, and the confident, highly-competitive ‘Yotes returned to the ice and beat the talented Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

I firmly believe there were impostors on the ice among the Sedona-red clad Coyotes team on Tuesday night. How else could we explain the desert dogs taking nearly 50 shots and only scoring two goals? Many of those shots were easy saves, as they hit goalkeeper Cam Talbot right in the crest, or in the “pansa” (bread basket)!

What other explanation could there be for allowing those red-hot and streaking Calgary Flames to score their first two goals in the first 5 minutes of that ragged and perplexing contest? The team I expected to show up and be competitive was apparently kidnapped and released after the Flames were assured of their two points.

Fortunately for the Coyotes and their fans, the desert dogs we know and love returned in time to have practice and prepare for the revenge-minded Chicago Blackhawks. The Coyotes unleashed their pent up frustration upon the visitors, however, and for the most part dictated play, winning 5 to 2.

This victory was indeed an impressive one and very much needed against the Blackhawks, a perennial powerhouse. The Coyotes played on their “front skates” from the get-go, and it was evident the team made it their mission to attack and defend aggressively as a five-man unit throughout. That plan certainly reaped dividends on both ends of the ice. It was nice to see the Coyotes score 5 goals on offense and frustrate and close down their opponents on defense.

Although the Coyotes took fewer shots than they did on Tuesday, more of them were on target and caused ‘Hawks’ goalkeeper Robin Lehner to scramble around his crease to make saves. The ‘Yotes were up 2 to 0 early in the first period, causing the Blackhawks to chase the game.

It was a comforting sight to see the Coyotes in control of their destiny during Thursday night’s home game at GRA. They did not give the lads from Chicago much time or space to work their particular magic in the ‘Yotes’ “D” zone for most of the night.

The win was a huge step in the Arizona Coyotes’ commitment to defend their house and make it difficult to play and win in Gila River Arena.

The New Jersey Devils visit next, and in an ever-tightening Pacific Division race, the Coyotes cannot afford to take their feet off the pedals. Or is that “front skates off the ice”? Anyway, thanks for a convincing and satisfying win at home, gentlemen. Let’s go Coyotes!

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