Deja Vu, but not in a good way

2-1. The exact same score line against the exact same team. Two powerplay goals scored, just like the last time. The biggest difference from tonight's game (or this afternoon's to be more precise) is that the Coyotes were on the wrong side of the 2-1 scoreline.

Goals by Brandon Pirri (who scored Florida's goal in Glendale five nights ago) and the eventual game winner by former Coyote Scottie Upshall were Florida's big moments.

The Coyotes got a powerplay marker from Martin Hanzal, who was positioned in front of Roberto Luongo perfectly to redirect a shot from Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

That about sums up the game's events. The Coyotes played better than they did against Tampa. They outshot the Panthers again, 33-26. The powerplay scored, but their failure to come through on their last chance directly led to Upshall's game winner. A blocked shot by Derek Mackenzie caromed to Tomas Kopecky who fed an outlet pass to Upshall as he fled the box. He beat Michael Stone up ice and slid a backhand through Mike Smith's pads to finish the scoring. 2-1. Game over. Not much else to say. Thank goodness October is done.

Paw Prints

• For the Panthers perspective, head over to Litter Box Cats.
• The Coyotes won in the circles 33-27, but Antoine Vermette had an off night winning only 44 percent (11 of 25) of his draws.
• Keith Yandle had an assist and also blocked five shots. Guess he's working on being better in his own end.
• OEL led the team in ice time, playing 28:20. He and Yandle both had six shots on goals to lead the team.
• Mike Smith stopped 24 of 26 shots against.
• Justin Hodgman returned to the lineup, playing 13:25. He had a glorious chance on a downed Bobby Lu but couldn't elevate the puck.
• Connor Murphy played only 9:34. Maybe it's time to give Brandon Gormley a shot if Murph is going to play fewer than 10 minutes a night.

Three Stars of the Night

1. Brandon Pirri. Scored the goal that tied the game at three and had plenty of glorious chances. I wonder if Chicago wishes they had him in their bottom six right about now?
2. Roberto Luongo. Two games against the Coyotes and two solid efforts. Stopped 32 of 33 shots faced and provides a calming influence for a young Panther team that needs it.
3. Scottie Upshall. Scored the game winning goal. The Coyotes could certainly use his speed, tenacity and goal scoring acumen right now. I bet you he knows it.

Honorable mention - The 7,691 (according to the official game summary) fans who showed up to watch this.

Looking Ahead

The Coyotes continue their tour of the former Southeast Division taking on the winless Carolina Hurricanes Saturday at 4 p.m. Arizona time. A game where the Coyotes should be expected to win. If they get their doors blown off in that one, then we have a reason to panic.