Arizona Coyotes play decent hockey, lose to Vancouver Canucks anyway

It was night and day for the Arizona Coyotes comparing their game against the Vancouver Canucks with their last contest against the Anaheim Ducks. Unfortunately, as far as the standings go, it doesn't matter.

Arizona's freefall in the standings continues as the Coyotes lose 2-1 to the Canucks on Wednesday night at Gila River Arena.

Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0 Vancouver: The Canucks got on the board first thanks to a defensive breakdown by Connor Murphy. Jake Virtanen received a bit too much room from the young defenseman, and rifled a gorgeous shot over Louis Domingue's shoulder bar-down. Assists to Jared McCann and Dan Hamhuis on the goal at 6:27.

Second Period

1-1 Tie: Martin Hanzal atoned for past misdeeds by redirecting yet another beautiful pass from Max Domi behind a sprawling Ryan Miller on the power play to even the score. Assists to Domi and Anthony Duclair on the power play goal at 2:38.

2-1 Vancouver: When it rains, it pours. A rather innocuous shot through traffic on Domingue turned tragic when the puck bounced off several bodies in front at past Domingue. Jannik Hansen was the last Canuck to touch it, so the goal is his. Assists to Christopher Tanev and Henrik Sedin on the goal at 15:13.

Third Period

Despite several power play chances both ways and some frenzied play by the Coyotes late in the period, the tying goal could not be found, and the Canucks held on to win.

Stat Report

Paw Prints

• For the Vancouver perspective, check out Nucks Misconduct.
• With Boyd Gordon still out, Arizona dressed seven defensemen. Viktor Tikhonov and Jarred Tinordi were the two other scratches.
• Arizona appeared to have tied the game in the first on a Klas Dahlbeck scorcher, but the play was challenged by Vancouver. Officials determined Martin Hanzal had entered the zone offside before the goal was scored, and disallowed Dahlbeck's tally.
• Tyler Gaudet played 8:42 in his season debut. He took one shot on net.
• Kyle Chipchura had a gaping net late in the third on which he directed a backhand, but a stick by Alex Biega stopped the puck from going in behind Miller to save the game for the Canucks.
• Arizona is 4 for 13 on the power play in their last three games. The Coyotes are 14 for 15 on the penalty kill in that same stretch.
• Attendance: 12,255

Looking Ahead

Arizona takes on another Canadian team on Friday when the Calgary Flames come to town. Puck drop is at 7 PM Arizona time.