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It’s over: Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan’s 23-game scoreless streak came to an end last night as the Yotes beat the Nashville Predators 5-3 in Glendale
“It’s great for Doaner,” Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov told reporters after the game. “He tries so hard. It’s so many games. We all felt bad for him. It was bad luck on his side. He would hit the post or the goalie would make the save or just miss the net. He deserved that goal, and it was a big goal for us.”
As Bryzgalov points out, Doan’s scoreless streak wasn’t from a lack of trying — he hustles like hell, he’s not afraid to hit, and we can think of at least four chances in the last month where Doan’s shot was only millimeters away from becoming a goal, including a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks a few weeks ago that was called back because Coyotes forward Mathew Lombardi was in the crease.
The win wasn’t just a boost for Doan’s confidence, it also secured the fourth seed in the playoffs for the Coyotes and earned the Doggies home-ice advantage in the first round.
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Last night was the seventh straight home victory for the Coyotes but raises some concerns about the usually awesome Bryzgalov.
Bryzgalov, who was named the Coyotes MVP before last night’s game, is without a doubt one of the best goalies in the NHL but he’s struggled lately and while he didn’t play horrible last night, he didn’t play great, which could be a problem going into the playoffs.
Bryzgalov got off to a bad start when Shea Weber beat him on a slap shot from the high-crease just 12 seconds into the game.
The Predators’ second goal came in the third period on a power play goal that Bryzgalov didn’t appear to have a chance at stopping it.
Hopefully Bryzgalov will get his act together tonight when the Coyotes head to Los Angeles to take on the Kings. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. and the game can be seen on Fox Sports Arizona. for more information on the Coyotes click here.
