Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilyov Bryzgalov stopped 43 shots during the team's 4-2 win over the Red Wings in Detroit last night. For the non-hockey-fans out there, 43 shots is a lot.
"It keeps you in the game all the time, the whole game," Bryzgalov said after the game. "But don't need that many shots."
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the 3-3-3 Coyotes, who are looking to re-live last season's unlikely playoff glory.
The Howlers got off to a fast start, taking a three-goal lead in the first period.
The first Coyotes goal was scored about seven minutes into the game by forward Radim Vrbata.
Less than two minutes later, the Coyotes struck again with a rare power play goal from defenseman Keith Yandle.
Taking advantage of the power play is important, and it's something the
Coyotes struggled with last season -- most notably, in the playoffs,
when it mattered most.
In one of the team's more atrocious power play performances from last
season, the Coyotes failed to capitalize on nine power plays against the
Edmonton Oilers. Again, for the non-hockey-fans out there, nine power
plays is a lot.
The Coyotes third goal came about three minutes after Yandle's power play goal.
Short-handed, Lauri Korpikoski beat Detroit goalie Chris Osgood with a blazing wrist shot from about 50 feet out.
The Coyotes went scoreless in the second period and Bryzgalov gave up his first of two Detroit goals.
On the power play, Detroit forward Johan Franzen tipped a shot from the
point by Juri Hudler. The re-direction was enough to beat an otherwise
stellar Bryzgalov.
Three minutes into the third period, the Red Wings found themselves
within one goal of the Coyotes, following another tip-in goal, this one
by Tomas Holmstrom.
Within one goal, the Red Wings pulled Osgood with a little more than a
minute to play. But Korpikoski struck again with his second goal of the
game -- taking advantage of the empty net and putting the final nail in
Detroit's coffin.
The Coyotes host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. For more Coyotes info click here.
