So...Ilya Bryzgalov's nasty.
The Phoenix Coyotes goaltender had 39 saves in the team's 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames last night. We realize Phoenicians don't know much about hockey, but we assure you 39 saves is a lot.
The Howlers are now on a four-game win streak -- two of which came against Calgary -- after getting off to a sluggish start to the season.
"We've started feeling better not because we've won four games in a row,
but because we're playing better hockey and that's most important,"
Bryzgalov told ESPN after the game. "Sometimes you can win four games in a row but be
unsatisfied with the type of hockey you're playing, but when you play
good hockey overall, you'll be fine."
The Coyotes are playing "good hockey," starting with Bryzgalov and his ability to stand on his head.
The Flames out-shot the Coyotes 16-9 in the first period but Bryzgalov was flawless.
Scoreless in the second period, Bryzgalov robbed a one-timer from
Calgary defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to keep the score at goose eggs.
The Coyotes got the scoring started about seven minutes into the second period with an unassisted goal by Wojtek Wolski.
An encouraging powerplay goal from Martin Hanzal followed about five
minutes later. For the Coyotes, powerplay goals are always encouraging
because, frankly, they've sucked with the man advantage for the majority
of the last two seasons. Hanzal's goal was scored on one of seven
powerplays, so, while it's encouraging, the Howlers still could use a
little work.
Lauri Korpikoski put the final nail in the coffin with an empty netter with eight seconds left in the game.
"We had a pretty bad start to the season, let's be honest, but now we've
won four games in a row and it's always a great feeling when you win
the games; it makes it fun to play. Right now, things couldn't be
better," Hanzal said.
The Howlers hit the ice next on Friday when they head to Edmonton to take on the Oilers. For more info click here.
