In their last game before the All Star break, the Arizona Coyotes were defeated by the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in overtime on Saturday night. It was the second time in three games that the Coyotes lost to the Pacific Division bottom feeders, following a 5-2 defeat on Tuesday.
Nick Ritchie scored the lone goal in the first period, giving Arizona a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. The second period also featured only one score, but this time it was Anaheim with a tally. Max Jones scored for the Ducks to set up an intense third period with the game tied at one.
Despite getting outshot for most of the game, the Coyotes had numerous chances to grab the lead in the third. However, their best efforts were thwarted by Ducks goaltender John Gibson. Coyotes netminder Connor Ingram played outstanding as well, as both goalies’ great play sent the game into overtime.
Just like in regulation, both goaltenders made life difficult for the skaters. Gibson made an almost unreal stop on a backhand shot by Jakob Chychrun, while Ingram stoned Frank Vatrano multiple times. In the end, it was Ingram who saw the game ending shot go past him. Trevor Zegras roofed a wrist shot into Ingram’s net to send the Honda Center crowd home happy.
Ingram had an incredible game in goal, stopping 43 of 45 shots, but his great effort fell short. Gibson turned in a fantastic showing as well, getting the win by turning away 32 of 33 shots.
Heading into the All Star break, the Coyotes are second-to-last in the Central Division with 38 points. Only the Chicago Blackhawks have a worse mark with 34 points. Arizona’s first game after the break will be a matchup with the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 6.
Even though they are last in the Pacific, the Ducks head into the break on a three game winning streak. Their first game back from the break will be against the team with the most points in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars. That game will also take place on Feb. 6.
Coyotes fall in overtime to Ducks 2-1
