Coyotes 4 – Ducks 0 – Bryz and the D shut the door on the Ducks….hard!
The Coyotes second game after the NHL Trade deadline turned out to be one of their best displays of defensive discipline so far this season. The Coyotes turned one of the most potent offenses in the NHL into a group of hockey players who were chasing their proverbial tails all over the ice.
I can’t really say very many positive things about the Ducks during this game as they clearly were not giving their all nor was Hiller anywhere near to being ‘on’. The Ducks managed only three shots on goal in the first period. That is a sign of a great defense. I’m not taking away anything from the Coyotes here. They played some great smothering defense but the Ducks didn’t do anything at all to even begin to help their cause.
This was a great game but not a perfect one. The Coyotes play in their offensive zone needs work (specifically on the Power Play). They need to take more risks with shots on goal and finding the open man at the net.
Finally, this game not only marks Coyotes Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov’s NHL tying 7 shutout of the season. Bryzgalov also became the Franchise leader for wins in a season by a goaltender with his 34th victory of the season. Bryzgalov took the lead for franchise victories that was previously shared with Sean Burke (2001-2002 Season), Bob Essensa(1992-1993 season), and Bryan Hayward (1984-1985 season).
Things to take away from this game:
A new standard for defensive excellence – For all you fans who saw the game tonight you now have a standard to measure all future Coyotes games with. This was a damned good defensive effort tonight.
Game Highlights
Coach Tippett’s post game press conference (Courtesy of PhoenixCoyotes.com):
Post game comments from Bryzgalov and Fiddler (Courtesy of PhoenixCoyotes.com):
Game Summary
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20092010/GS020961.HTM
Event Summary
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20092010/ES020961.HTM
Play by Play:
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20092010/PL020961.HTM
Faceoff Stats
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20092010/FC020961.HTM
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