After a challenging start to this lockout-shorten season, the Phoenix Coyotes are beginning to make some noise.
For Phoenix to start a push and seriously challenge for postseason positioning, special teams will likely play a significant role. Though a combined 1-of-8 in their two previous games with the man advantage, that one power-play goal was enough to beat Columbus, with an empty net, Feb. 16.
In this game, Martin Hanzal scored deep in the third period to snap a 3-3 tie and later popped in an empty-net tally to secure the win over Columbus
Two nights later, goalie Mike Smith did not need extra help. He recorded his 22nd career NHL shutout in a 4-0 win over the Flames at home, and increased his season mark to 6-4-1. Still, the importance of special teams, and especially the power play, remains a significant factor in the team’s fortunes.
“You just have to keep working,” Phoenix coach Dave Tippett said after the Columbus game. “Look, it’s hard to score anyway in this league and we need to ...
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Article written by Mark Brown