The surging Vegas Golden Knights (42-25-8) were finding their form at the right time, as last year’s Stanley Cup champions rode a three-game winning streak into Mullett Arena on Friday night to face off against the Arizona Coyotes (31-39-5).
Every game is crucial for the Golden Knights, with only one point separating them from the Los Angeles Kings for the third playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
Arizona continues to strive and build upon the few positives from an otherwise disappointing season. Focusing on developing a promising young core for the future.
It was a slow first period in that saw both teams fail to capitalize on their respective power play opportunities.
Vegas goalie Logan Thompson saved all 14 Arizona shots in the first, while the Coyotes held VGK to only three.
Six minutes into the second, the Coyotes were first to get on the board as Alex Kerfoot scored his 12th goal of the season, a harmless looking shot right off the boards that beat Thompson over the blocker.
The Yotes only led for 90 seconds as 2015 second overall pick Jack Eichel (27) found his way into the crease to even things up.
Kerfoot took a penalty right after the goal, which didn’t cause any immediate damage, but did lead to a huge momentum swing that the Knights kept for the rest of the period, scoring three more goals off odd-man rushes.
With half of the third period expired, the Coyotes chances looked bleak until a member of the previously mentioned promising young core, Josh Doan, started an avalanche of goals.
Within 67 seconds, Doan, Bjugstad and Carcone all snapped goals past Thompson to tie the game.
It was the fastest three goals in Coyote history.
After a potential game-tying goal by Vegas was overturned by an Alex Tourigny challenge and Arizona killed off their fourth penalty of the night, Michael Carcone tipped in the game winning goal with just five minutes left to play, his second of the night.
Josh Brown and Logan Cooley both scored, giving Arizona a resounding win over the current champions and tying a franchise record with six-goals in one period.
After the game, Brown talked about how the team was able to pull off the comeback.
“We know we’re supposed to be the underdog in every game so that kind of gives you a little chip on your shoulder… there’s no quit in this team,” Brown said.
Tourigny talked to reporters about Josh Doan and if he had impressed him yet.
“I’ve been in the game a long time—to be impressed… that would be impressive—but no, I’ve liked Doaner since I’ve known him—I like his hockey sense… I think what I really like about him is what he brings to our lineup,” Tourigny said. “Really good forecheck. Really good stick… he goes to the net, plays the game the right way… that’s the kind of player we are looking for.”
The Coyotes hope to keep up their good play as they embark on a five-game road trip, kicking off with a Sunday showdown against the San Jose Sharks (17-50-8).
