Coyotes lose game seven
Jonathon Smith
The Coyotes dream season has come to a close. In a devastating game seven loss, the Detroit Red Wings have stripped the Coyotes of a chance to play for a Stanley Cup. It was a battle between a savvy veteran Detroit squad and an up and coming Coyote team looking to emerge as a top team in the league. Detroit’s experience proved valuable, as they were able to control the elimination game handily.
There was no doubt who wanted game seven more after the first period despite a scoreless deadlock. The Coyotes trailed the Red Wings in shots on goal 17 to 6. The lack of shots on goal caught up to them in hurry. A flurry of Red Wing goals in the second period gave them a 4 – 1 lead that they would never relinquish.
Both teams played very physical hockey, and the game was on the brink of a brawl from the opening face-off. Unfortunately, the Red Wings physical play disrupted the Coyotes enough to keep them at bay.
The Coyotes dominant play on special teams throughout the series was nowhere to be found in game seven. After a number of Coyote power play goals throughout the series, it was the Red Wings that dominated this area in game seven. Phoenix was 0 – 5 while the Red Wings were 3 – 6 on the power play.
The fans in Glendale were more than appreciative despite the loss, and gave them a standing ovation for their efforts throughout the season. It was more than deserved. Despite losing captain Shane Doan to injury in game three of the series, the Coyotes battled hard and were able to even up the series at three games apiece.
The Coyotes have yet to make it out of the first round since coming to Phoenix. In their first three seasons here, they were eliminated in the first round each time.
This could have been a huge step for an organization desperately trying to make a name for itself in a town dominated by the rising Cardinals, Suns and Diamondbacks.
As it is though, it was their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade, and perhaps it is something they can build on.
