Arizona Coyotes in game report: 1st intermission down 2-1 in Anaheim Ducks

The Arizona Coyotes are currently down by a score of 2-1 after one period of play against the Anaheim Ducks, and all we can say is ugh!

Today we thought it might be fun to write a little recap with our thoughts after each period so enjoy! If you appreciate it let us know in the comments and we will try and do it moving forward.

The first 10 minutes of this game could be summed up in two ways, turnovers and net-front presence. A big turnover led to the Anaheim Ducks goal scored by Henrique, playing from behind is never easy. Anaheim’s goal was in large part thanks to a big turnover in the neutral zone, as well as a lucky bounce. Luckily things would turn around rather quickly for the Coyotes.

Not only did Vinnie Hinostroza make a great play to steal the puck back in the defensive zone, but it led to his goal in the offensive zone some 15 seconds later. Great goal by Hinostroza thanks to Lawson Crouse and Nick Schmaltz with the assists.

Hinostroza’s goal was in large part thanks to a great play by Schmaltz. Schmaltz drove to the net after making a great pass over to Crouse as they entered the offensive zone. The Ducks failed to shut down a few drives to the net for Arizona, and that was what led to our goal.

The Coyotes power play this period was horrible. They did have a few shots, but Anaheim had more chances. I think the worst part about it was when the Ducks came up ice with a two on one Oliver Ekman-Larsson barely looked to stop the pass. Luckily Raanta made the stop, even still the Coyotes first power play led to a momentum-changing event.

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Anaheim took a big-time power play immediately following the Coyotes power play. Carl Soderberg went to the box, but after some great play by Raanta, they managed to draw a penalty and push it to four on four. During the Coyotes ensuing power play Christian Dvorak was an inch away from scoring one of the prettiest goals of the season.

Dvorak received a great feed from Hall to Kessel over to Dvorak in front of the net. It is a shame that the play did not end with a goal for the Coyotes, even more so that the power play ended with Anaheim scoring a goal thanks to Henrique once again.

Honestly, I expect the Coyotes to come back better in the second period. They are relying too heavily on goalie Antti Raanta. We need to see this team look different than when we left them last week! Luckily the second period will offer them another chance to defend better again! The defense will win them this game if they play their best!

Another element that is vital for the Coyotes to come back in this one is capitalizing on the power play! Arizona has had three power play’s this period, and they have not scored on any of them. Yes, the Ducks are doing a great job attacking, but we are better than this!