ARIZONA COYOTES

Yotes Notes: Coyotes force overtime, ultimately fall to Canucks

Dec 7, 2013, 7:01 AM | Updated: 7:01 am

Though losing six of their last eight games, a hint of the Phoenix Coyotes’ winning identity has somehow remained in sight, though faint and slightly skewed to the eye.

On Friday, it was hard to see for much of the team’s contest abroad with the Vancouver Canucks, but it was there. Though without veterans Derek Morris and Lauri Korpikoski, and captain Shane Doan, the team found a way to rally from a 2-0 third period deficit to force overtime.

The dominant final stretch, which saw the Coyotes outshoot the Canucks 18-8, was highlighted by Antoine Vermette and David Moss goals, along with a host of spectacular saves from goalie Mike Smith.

But Chris Higgins’ eighth goal of the season — netted with a little over a minute remaining in overtime — proved the difference for the Canucks, as the Coyotes had to settle for a single point on their final stop in Western Canada, where they went 1-1-1 in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

The Good:

The Coyotes outshot the Canucks 39-32 on the night, with David Schlemko managing five and Moss, Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson firing four shots on goal.

The Bad:

The Canucks won the takeaway margin handedly, 14-6 — using one of their two power plays to down the Coyotes and getting superior play from goaltender Roberto Luongo.

Up Next:

The final stop of the Coyotes’ four-game road trip is domestic, as the team heads to Denver to face the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. MDT and the game can be heard on 860 AM.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Coyotes

Tucson Roadrunners...

Alex Weiner

Mullett Arena? Stay in Tucson? Plan for the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate Roadrunners remains unclear

The path forward for the Tucson Roadrunners, the AHL affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes, remains unclear under owner Alex Meruelo.

17 minutes ago

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during a press conference at Hyatt Regency Phoenix...

Kevin Zimmerman

Gary Bettman, Alex Meruelo blame Tempe voters for Coyotes’ relocation

Gary Bettman and Alex Meruelo are still stuck on a failed Tempe vote on an Arizona Coyotes arena project rather than any missteps.

2 hours ago

Gary Bettman and Alex Mereulo speaking with Media in a press conference....

Bailey Leasure

‘We shall return:’ Gary Bettman remains committed to Arizona despite relocation to Utah

Gary Bettman remains supportive of NHL hockey in Arizona and Alex Meruelo despite the hockey team moving to Utah.

3 hours ago

Alex Meruelo joins Burns & Gambo to discuss Coyotes move to Utah....

Bailey Leasure

Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo says selling Coyotes is something ‘I tried at every cost to avoid’

Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo joined 'Burns and Gambo' as he talked about the news of the sale and relocation of the team to Utah.

6 hours ago

Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo joins Burns & Gambo in studio after team is sold to Utah group o...

Damon Allred

Alex Meruelo: ‘I am the only one’ to bring hockey back to Arizona

Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo believes in actions, not words so he wants Arizona hockey fans focused on the June 27 land auction.

10 hours ago

Majority Owner, Chairman & Governor, Alex Meruelo of the Arizona Coyotes speaks at an introduct...

Kellan Olson

Alex Meruelo: Coyotes’ failure in Arizona ‘starts from the beginning’

Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo wanted to make it clear that is still his title when he joined 98.7 following the sale of the franchise.

1 day ago