(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
After their 2-1 loss in shootouts, the Arizona Coyotes spoke positively about their performance.
We played a good hockey game. We had to kill six penalties, we only had one power play. We deserved better. I’m proud of the guys. They played hard. -Rick Tocchet, Arizona Coach
The Coyotes have been one of the best teams this season in limiting opponents’ goals. They deployed the same strategy yesterday in Vegas. Holding the Golden Knights to one regulation goal was exactly what Arizona intended.
You have to make them defend. They got a lot of skill up front. You get those skill guys playing defense and eventually they’ll make some mistakes and a little bit more tired going up ice. We did a good job staying on top of them. -Jason Demers, Arizona Defenseman
Over the past two seasons, the Golden Knights have essentially owned the Coyotes compiling a record of 6-3-0 over 9 games. This season, Arizona came in with a different philosophy. One that would give them a better chance against the bigger, more skilled Vegas club.
We know they’re so quick and offensively very strong. The best way to play them is to make it a mucky game and make them play defense. I think we’ve learned to just play them and play them hard. I think we’ve done a good job of staying on top of them this season. -Jason Demers
Arizona was on the losing end last night, but they are satisfied with how the first two contests played out. They believe their gameplan against the Golden Knights has been successful, which allows them a chance of winning more games, and possibly the division.
The question is, how will Vegas work around the Coyotes pesty plan of attack?
It was a solid game by two teams. They’re a real good hockey team now. They put a lot of pressure on you. They skate and play the game the right way but I was happy with our team. -Gerard Gallant
Gallant clearly respects the Coyotes and their head coach, however, he’s not at home worrying about Arizona mucking up a game. Vegas’ roster is bigger and overall more talented, I’m sure Gallant likes his chances. Plus, the coach proved this week his club can successfully make in-season/in-game adjustments and with ease.
Carl
What Tocchet forgot was the major penalty that wasn’t called on Richardson, for the flagrant elbow to Eakin’s skull with 7 or 8 minutes left. If the refs had got that right the score might be 4-1 or 5-1.
schmitty 88
Malcom was good