The final game of the Coyotes run against former Stanley Cup champions was Monday night against the Washington Capitals. Coming into the matchup the Coyotes were red hot and on a four-game winning streak. They did not disappoint their home fans, as they absolutely destroyed Washington 6-0 at Mullett Arena. This one was over quickly in the first period when the Coyotes chased their former netminder, Darcy Kuemper, out of the game. He was completely overwhelmed by Arizona’s attack, giving up three goals on five shots and being pulled less than fifteen minutes into the game.
Arizona did not relent and continued firing away at new goaltender Charlie Lindgren. They finished the first period putting five goals in the net and capped off the scoring assault with a sixth in the second period. Number six was Arizona’s first shorthanded goal of the year, scored by Nick Bjugstad after the penalty kill forced a turnover that led to a two-on-zero breakaway. Continuing to ride the hot hand in net, Connor Ingram rewarded the Coyotes with his second shutout of the season, the third of his career.
The dominance and stat lines aren’t even the most impressive takeaway from this one. Per ESPN the Coyotes made NHL history as the first team to defeat the previous five Stanley Cup champions in consecutive games. They are the hottest group in the NHL and have made a statement during this streak. When firing on all cylinders, they can compete with anyone in the league. Some quick stats are below (via ESPN):
- Connor Ingram pitches a shutout on 26 saves.
- Nick Schmaltz buries two goals, making it four in his last three games.
- Brown, Durzi, Kesselring, and Moser all contributed to the offensive fireworks, each tallying an assist.
- Nick Bjugstad scores the first shorty of the year for Arizona.
- Michael Carcone and Alex Kerfoot stay blistering hot, netting a goal and providing three assists, respectively.
- Clayton Keller facilitated the offense, accounting for three assists.
- Cooley and Zucker both contributed, each scoring once while Zucker also provided an assist.