Third period collapses seem to be the domain of the Coyotes, yet whether its the latter stages of that third or on into Overtime, the Coyotes seem to find ways to win games. A flirting with disaster scenario that you would think would come to bite them, but as they say, so far so good.
Game one was much along that blue print, the Predators got off to a sluggish start to their play, allowing the Coyotes confidence (never really lacking it seems) to grow as the game moved forward, by the time they turned on their engines to full throttle for the third and overtime periods, it became a situation where but one goal would make the difference and in this one, the Coyotes got the goal.
For a full look at frustration, the Preds could look back at the third period where they out shot the Coyotes 25-7 but couldn't beat Mike Smith when they needed a goal most. Chances, chances and more chances that they couldn't capitalize on, tempting fate in the overtime and eventually losing their first lead in a playoff series this year (granted its only one series down, but omens can be omens at times).
Phoenix, playing their first second round playoff game in their existence and in front of more than just family, friends and hard earned friends are clearly putting all their hopes and dreams on the shoulders of Smith in the nets and hoping to sneak in a winning goal per game.
It's a strategy that most likely won't have long term success, Smith has been outstanding but that kind of a workload every night (42 shots to 24) takes its toll on a goaltender, for the Coyotes to think of the third round, let alone a Stanley Cup final, scoring some goals and putting a team away early in a game would be a helpful thing.
Game two goes in the desert on Sunday night and then it's off to Smashville, the Preds hoping to take the series home at even levels, while the Coyotes, will be looking to hit the road 2 games up and looking to close.
Game Two-- Nashville 3 at Phoenix 5
Phoenix leads the series 2 games to 0
Previews and Reviews
POST GAME
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes take a 2-0 series lead on Nashville Predators
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes set a standard with raucous victory over Nashville...
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes trying to keep focus on the present in series ...
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes besting Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes' Rusty Klesla joining in on fun on offense
The Tennessean-- Nashville Predators fall to Phoenix Coyotes 5-3
The Tennessean-- Nashville Predators struggle to regain sizzle of first round
The Tennessean-- Trotz defends goalie, blames defensemen
The Tennessean-- NBC analysts rip Radulov
Globe and Mail-- Coyotes dominate Predators in Game 2 victory
Globe and Mail-- Predators are playing a hurting' tune
National Post-- Coyotes' offence wakes up in Game 2 win over Predators
PRE GAME
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes need 'Prime Line' to continue to deliver vs. Nashville
Arizona Republic-- Phoenix Coyotes' Mike Smith survives Nashville Predators' ...
Arizona Republic-- Glendale edges toward Phoenix Coyotes deal
The Tennessean-- Nashville Predators hope to avoid 0-2 start against Phoenix Coyotes
The Tennessean-- Nashville Predators' Kevin Klein admits break affected Game 1 effort
The Tennessean-- Profit eludes Nashville Predators despite on-ice success, public money
The Tennessean-- Blue Jackets - turned - Coyotes want payback vs. Nashville Predators
Globe and Mail-- Coyotes succeed with scant resources
National Post-- Mike Smith making Phoenix Coyotes look like contenders
Previous items on this series
Game One
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