After falling in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night, the Arizona Coyotes three-on-three woes continued against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. Calle Rosen scored two goals, leading the Blues to a 6-5 victory at Enterprise Center.
The Coyotes got off to a hot start in the first period, with Clayton Keller scoring his 20th goal of the season just 51 seconds into the game. Later on in the period, Nick Schmaltz would score on the power play to extend the Arizona lead to two.
Despite the Coyotes having a 2-0 advantage after the first period, the second period would be the complete opposite. Brandon Saad scored just over the halfway point of the period to cut the Coyotes lead in half, then Sammy Blais would find twine late in the frame to tie the game at two. The Blues had responded, and this would set up a wild third period of action.
Early on in the third, the Blues came out firing on all cylinders. Robert Thomas gave St. Louis a 3-2 lead, and Calle Rosen scored twice to make the score 5-2. Even though it seemed like the game was all but over, the Blues forgot that a three goal lead is the worst in hockey. Keller scored his second of the night to cut the lead to two, then Nick Bjugstad tallied Arizona’s second power play goal of the game.
The deficit had been cut to just one goal, and with 56.9 seconds left in regulation, Lawson Crouse scored with the goalie pulled to miraculously tie the game. The St. Louis crowd was in shock, but unfortunately for Arizona, the fans would go home happy after overtime.
The Blues won the crucial opening faceoff in overtime and never let the Coyotes have possession of the puck in the extra frame. Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly scored the game-winning goal to reach the final score of 6-5.
Nick Schmaltz had a four point night, scoring once and assisting on three. Clayton Keller had a three point night, notching two goals and an assist. Despite these great performances, the Coyotes valiant comeback effort still fell short.
The Coyotes will play in Music City on Monday night against the Nashville Predators, and the Blues will welcome the Florida Panthers to St. Louis on Tuesday night.
Coyotes comeback falls short against Blues in OT
