Coyotes Rip Sabres 6-2
The Coyotes wanted to prove something to their fan base Monday afternoon, that they were deadly serious of pushing hard to the playoffs.
Right now, they control their own destiny as all they have to do is win and the only thing stopping them was their home ice.
The arena was full for a Monday afternoon game, and again with a large contingent of Buffalo Sabres fans. The only way to cultivate a true fan base is to keep winning…
And send opposing fans to the exits before the regulation buzzer sounds.
Daniel Winnik opened the onslaught with a quick goal against Sabres’ goaltender Jocelyn Thibault. Many were curious why Ryan Miller didn’t get the nod for Monday’s game, but it could be related to the 1-5-4 record in the last ten games. Change sometimes helps.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpVQUrgKlUg&rel=1]
In the 6-2 rout, six different Coyotes scored goals, and 12 different Coyotes scored points and another team has a players’ only meeting following the game to discuss what went wrong.
With the win, the Coyotes move to the ninth spot in the Western Conference. Nashville won their game yesterday against St. Louis, and since the Coyotes have more wins than the Predators, they are placed higher in the standings.
Thursday night, the Coyotes host the same Predators at Jobing.com arena. The game is as close to a playoff situation as a team can get before the All-Star break, and the most important game for both franchises.
For the Coyotes, a win not only brings the home record to .500, the win also goes a long way to prove to those around the league that they have every intention of making it to the second season of the NHL.
Here’s more reading material from the Arizona Republic:
Six Coyotes Score in Win Over Sabres
‘Yotes Strike from Many Angles
Youthful Coyotes Coming Together
and from the Buffalo News:
Sabres’ Rut Gets Deeper in the Desert
Gaustad, Ballard Get to Know Each Other
This was one of the most feel good wins of the season. Sure, it can be said that it being a blowout can constitute that.
Shane Doan’s and Peter Mueller’s goals were certainly the highlight ones, no doubt about it. Good to see that Panger had commented about their chemistry, too. The more and more I see Mueller out there, the more confident I get in how this kid is not only going to be really productive, but a serious keeper.
Buffalo’s just been in a tailspin lately as it has been well documented. The one win in their last 12 was that 10-1 rout of Atlanta. And the Rangers blanked the Thrashers tonight, 4-0. So the Thrashers seem to be reeling now as well.
I couldn’t agree more that more Coyotes fans will head to arena as the team continues to progress more consistently. As I’ve said a few times already, once they’re convinced this team is headed for bigger things without any serious setbacks, the building will be full and more much often.
Just a very satisfying win! Hopefully it is the start of a new winning streak.