Arizona Coyotes Lose Heartbreaking Game in Shootout to Chicago Blackhawks
The Arizona Coyotes played their Saturday night home game with plenty of energy and passion, but ultimately lost the highly-competitive contest in disappointing fashion 3 to 2.
In an amazingly electric atmosphere, the Coyotes and the Chicago Blackhawks played a nail-biter of a game in Glendale. The sold out arena had plenty of vocal ‘Hawks fans cheering for their heroes and, coupled with the local Coyotes supporters, the place was loud and the fans were buzzing.
It was truly a shame that either team had to lose the game, as goalkeepers Antti Raanta and Corey Crawford practically stood on their heads to make an incredible total of 87 saves.
It was refreshing to see the Coyotes, who had been playing much better hockey even during their recent losses to the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings in critical Pacific Division tilts, ultimately play a solid game against the upward-trending Blackhawks. The ‘Yotes showed resilience, competitive spirit, athleticism, and fight during the game, resulting in several late-game standing ovations from fans from both teams.
Saturday night’s result reminded Coyotes’ fans of what the team is capable of achieving when they play to their strengths, even though the final score favored the red-hot boys from Chicago. Disappointing though the end result was, it provided hope for the fans and inspiration for the team. The Coyotes can be proud of their effort and will hopefully be able to build upon it to defeat the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night and the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
The Coyotes were able to salvage a single point as a result of their gutsy come-from-behind work. The Blackhawks were well-rested and had time to practice at least once at GRA while their staff scouted the ‘Yotes game against the L.A. Kings.
In order to make the playoffs, the Coyotes will need to gain and maintain any momentum they can muster, and the good news is that their progress in the last 3 games has been encouraging. Wins in the next two home games would serve as a nice spring board as they prepare to take their show on the road against some very heavy hitters back east.
The hope is that the return of Darcy Kuemper and Captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson will occur soon and can thus enhance the ‘Yotes chances of gaining valuable points while out of town.
The Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators will host the Desert Dogs beginning Saturday, February 8. Let’s hope we can garner the critical four points ripe for the taking. Let’s go Coyotes!