Game Recap
The Arizona Coyotes dropped their second straight game, falling 5-1 to the New York Islanders. The Islanders completed the sweep against the Desert Dogs this season as the team struggles out of the gate to start 2024.
The Islanders scored in bunches last night and controlled the first and final periods. Bo Horvat started the scoring on the power play just under eight minutes in, and then Mike Reilly lit the lamp four minutes later. While the Coyotes had some life as the period went along and were only outshot 11-9 as the horn blew. It was far from ideal, but something to build off.
Luckily, they did have a bounce-back in the second period. Nick Schmaltz lit the lamp with their first power play of the game, with Sean Durzi and Alex Kerfoot assisting, meaning the Coyotes would not get shut out in their second match against the Islanders.
The second period was a marked improvement over the first, with the Coyotes outshooting the Islanders 13-6. Arizona had a few good chances to tie things up, but Ilya Sorokin stood tall, and the Yotes failed to get the equalizer.
But things quickly went out of control in the third and final period. Anders Lee made it 3-1 four and a half minutes in, and Julien Gauthier made it 4-1 a minute later. Horvat would make it 5-1 at the 13-minute mark, and that was all she wrote for the Coyotes.
Down a goal, the Coyotes needed a massive third period to tie things up and push for the win. Instead, they were limited to just four shots on goal during the final 20 minutes, while the Islanders put up 14. It isn’t hard to see why they couldn’t secure the win with a performance like that.
Otherwise, there were a few bright spots. After a penalty-filled game against the Panthers, the Coyotes were only sent to the box twice. Granted, the Islanders scored on one of their power plays, so the penalty kill could have used some work.
Luckily, the Coyotes will have plenty of time to rest and reset. The homestand continues with the Coyotes having off until Sunday when they host the Jets.
Lines
Three Stars
- Bo Horvat – 2 goals, 1 assist
- Mathew Barzal – 2 assists
- Ilya Sorokin – 25 saves on 26 shots
Next Game
The Coyotes will play the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, January 7th, at 5:00 p.m. Arizona time.