Shane Doan sets Arizona Coyotes assist record in 2-1 overtime loss to Calgary Flames

Shane Doan cares far more about the Arizona Coyotes’ success than he does his own, but even tonight has to feel a little special.

Doan’s 554th career assist sets a new Winnipeg/Arizona franchise record, but it is not enough for the Coyotes to overcome the Calgary Flames, as the Flames win 2-1 in overtime.

Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0 Arizona - Max Domi got on the board first for the Coyotes after Flames goaltender Chad Johnson overcorrected himself out of his net on a scramble for a loose puck. Shane Doan got to it first, but in the scramble it was Domi who collected the rebound and squirted it just past Johnson. Assists to Christian Dvorak and Doan on the goal at 7:23.

1-1 Tie - The Flames would even the score up late in the first, as Mark Giordano one-timed a cross-ice pass from the far-side faceoff circle. With Mike Smith playing shot, he could not get himself completely set, and Giordano’s shot snuck above his left pad and in. Assists to Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan on the power play goal at 17:45.

Second Period

No goals in the second, but in the dying seconds of the period Max Domi decided to square off with Garnet Hathaway after taking exception to a hit along the boards. Domi seemed pretty okay with it.

Third Period

Arizona could not capitalize on two separate power play chances, and the game went to extra time knotted at 1-1.

Overtime

2-1 Calgary - Dougie Hamilton won it for the Flames by putting on an absolute clinic against rookie Brendan Perlini. Perlini was forced to choose between playing Hamilton’s shot or playing a pass to Mikael Backlund on the outside, and ultimately chose neither. Hamilton took Perlini on his back and breezed by him to tuck home the game winner. Assist to Johnny Gaudreau on the overtime goal at 1:09.

Three Answers

1. Can the Coyotes play a full 60 tonight? - The Coyotes led the Flames 7-1 in shots in the early first, but afterwards lost the shot battle 34-21. The Flames strengthened, while the Coyotes faltered.

2. Will the Flames road success continue? - Calgary had a pretty poor showing in the first period, but hung around long enough to eventually take control and force overtime.

3. Can the Coyotes best the Flames’ air-tight penalty killing unit? - Arizona could not find twine in three power play opportunities, while Calgary’s lone regulation goal came with the man advantage.

Players of the Game

Calgary - Mark Giordano - Giordano scored Calgary’s regulation goal and took a beating in the defensive zone as well, with six blocked shots.

Arizona - Max Domi - Domi’s persistence paid off with his fifth goal of the season, and his second period fight with Garnet Hathaway was an absolutely brutal affair.

Paw Prints

• For more on the Calgary Flames, check out Matchsticks & Gasoline
• Neither Anthony DeAngelo or Laurent Dauphin were recalled ahead of tonight’s game, which meant Jakob Chychrun and Brendan Perlini drew in again.
• Shane Doan is now one of five players in NHL history to simultaneously hold franchise records in Games Played, Goals, Assists, Points, Game Winning Goals, and Power Play Goals. The other four are Joe Sakic (Colorado), Ron Francis (Carolina), Rick Nash (Columbus), and Mike Modano (Dallas).
• The Coyotes and Flames combined for three fights and 58 penalty minutes.
• Max Domi played only one shift in the third period before leaving with an upper body injury likely suffered during his fight with Hathaway. His status is uncertain.
• After tonight’s loss, Arizona has scored four goals in its last four games.
• The Calgary Flames are now 7-2-1 in their last ten games, and are tied with the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division.

Looking Ahead

Arizona welcomes the Nashville Predators to town on Saturday evening. Puck drop is at 6 PM Arizona time.