Spotted, heard and observed: Coyotes vs. Flyers

Dec 4, 2011, 3:38 AM | Updated: 3:39 am

The Philadelphia Flyers were supposed to be a tired team after playing a game in Anaheim on Friday, but the Phoenix Coyotes looked the slower of the two when they met on Saturday. The Flyers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period and that proved too much for the Coyotes. Final score: Flyers 4 – Coyotes 1

Seen: Too many defensive breakdowns.

When the Flyers buried their first goal after a lucky bounce off the boards, the Coyotes had two choices to make: shake it off as a fluke or let it affect their game. After three more goals went in, it was clear which choice the Coyotes kept opting for. The Flyers continually put more bodies in front of net and used a great passing game to dismantle the Coyotes defense. Goalie Mike Smith was pulled after the first 20 minutes and spent the rest of the game on the bench.

Heard: A silent Jobing.com Arena.

When you’re on the road, you want to take the crowd out of the game. Going up 4-0, the Flyers silenced the crowd in Glendale. There were a few spurts of yells and cheers after hits and the Coyotes’ two goals, but the rest of the time it was rather silent. It’s tough to stay in a game where the home team is losing, but with the importance of points and the return of former goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, the Coyotes could have used a big, loud crowd.

Observed: Power play drought continues.

The power play can be a potent force in hockey, but the Coyotes don’t have a power play. In general, the power play is a lackluster struggle to make a pass or get a shot, all while having the man advantage. It looks like the Coyotes are constantly tripping over each other. After Saturday’s game, the Coyotes officially have scored only one time on the power play in their last 10 games.

Arizona Coyotes

General manager Bill Armstrong of the Arizona Coyotes talks during the first round of the 2022 Uppe...
Arizona Sports

Coyotes’ Armstrong admires team fight as draft lottery position unfolds

The NHL’s top record was done by midseason thanks to Boston, but the chase for the worst mark remains up for grabs in the final three weeks.
1 day ago
Team Owner, Chairman and Governor Andrew Barroway of the Arizona Coyotes greets fan during a red ca...
Arizona Sports

NHL suspends Coyotes minority owner after arrest for strangulation charge

The NHL said it is aware of the arrest of Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway and has suspended him indefinitely.
1 day ago
EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 22: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against Nick Schmaltz...
Associated Press

Connor McDavid’s 60th goal gives Coyotes OT loss to Oilers

The Arizona Coyotes dropped their second loss in a road back-to-back after Connor McDavid scored his 60th goal of the year in overtime.
4 days ago
The spot light shines on Lawson Crouse #67 of the Arizona Coyotes after he scores a goal against th...
Associated Press

Coyotes’ 4-game winning streak ends after loss to Jets

The Arizona Coyotes had won six out of their last seven games and four straight before a loss to the Jets on Tuesday.
5 days ago
Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller celebrates with center Nick Schmaltz (8) after scoring a ...
Kevin Zimmerman

Fanatics to replace Adidas as NHL jersey provider in 2024-25

Fanatics is taking over as the NHL's jersey provider beginning in 2024-25. Adidas has made NHL jerseys since 2017.
5 days ago
Juuso Valimaki #4 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates with teammate Barrett Hayton #29 after scoring ...
Associated Press

Coyotes beat Blackhawks at home behind 3 goal 3rd period

Juuso Valimaki broke a tie with 3:12 left and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 on Saturday night.
8 days ago
Spotted, heard and observed: Coyotes vs. Flyers