As the clash intensified at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, it was Dylan Guenther who emerged as the hero in overtime, propelling the Arizona Coyotes to a pulsating 2-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Friday, marking the latter’s seventh consecutive defeat in the NHL.
At the 4:12 mark of the extra period, Guenther seized his chance during a breakaway and artfully lifted a wrist shot over Joey Daccord’s glove. Daccord, a product of Arizona State, had to watch as his return to familiar territory was spoiled by the Coyotes’ rally. Guenther, merely 20 years of age, notched his 11th goal, adding to a tally that started accumulating profusely after his recall from the minor leagues 33 games prior.
Andre Tourigny, the Coyotes’ coach, was effusive in his praise for Guenther’s dynamism and dedication. “He brings a lot to the game — competitiveness, pace, execution,” he remarked. According to Tourigny, Guenther’s defensive prowess and hunger to win have been vividly apparent.
Clayton Keller’s resilience, displayed through his tying goal with 1:08 left in regulation, lectured the haunting specter of defeat as he collected his 29th goal. Keller was clinical to follow up Nick Bjugstad’s attempt after an electrifying 3-on-3 rush. Dave Hakstol of the Kraken regretfully acknowledged his team’s miscue that led to Keller’s critical goal.
Karel Vejmelka, stationed between the pipes for the Coyotes, thwarted 27 shots as Arizona set forth on a home streak consisting of seven matches. Their recent form exhibited a split in the last four encounters, albeit enduring 19 losses amongst their past 25 games. Vejmelka reflected on the unique nature of the clash and commended his teammates for their shot-blocking prowess.
In contrast, the evening was also a milestone for Kraken’s rookie Ryker Evans, who saw his first NHL goal ripple the net at 7:40 into the third. His strike from the left circle gave Seattle a momentarily lead. Despite the loss, Evans cherished his inaugural goal and anticipated a boost in confidence as he continued his NHL journey.
Alas, the Kraken’s offensive woes lingered, their scoring ranked 29th in the league, and their power-play productivity dimmed even further following the night’s results. Hakstol summarized the performance as ‘lethargic’, bemoaning a missed opportunity to secure the win.
Daccord’s return to familiar turf saw him pulling off 19 saves in an arena adjacent to his alma mater. On the Coyotes’ side, Michael Carcone’s cheers were cut short by a disallowed tying goal in the third due to a kicked puck, further highlighting the drama of the contest.
Coach Tourigny appreciated his team’s persistence and looks forward to having his goaltenders Vejmelka and Connor Ingram share duties as the season progresses. He praised Vejmelka for his relentless competitive spirit and key performances.
UP NEXT
Kraken: Will attempt to dwarf their losing streak as they host Montreal on Sunday night.
Coyotes: Set to continue their homestand against Dallas, also on Sunday night.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final result of the game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Seattle Kraken?
- The Arizona Coyotes won the game with a 2-1 victory in overtime.
- Who scored the winning goal for the Coyotes?
- Dylan Guenther scored the winning goal for the Coyotes in overtime.
- What achievement did Kraken’s Ryker Evans reach during the game?
- Ryker Evans scored his first career NHL goal in the game against the Coyotes.
- How did Arizona Coyotes’ goaltender Karel Vejmelka perform?
- Karel Vejmelka made 27 saves for the Coyotes during the game.
- How are the Coyotes planning to manage their goaltending for the remainder of the season?
- The Coyotes plan to alternate between goaltenders Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
The Arizona Coyotes snatched a dramatic overtime victory against the Seattle Kraken, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the NHL. Dylan Guenther’s decisive goal showcased his emerging talent, while the Coyotes displayed resilience to recover from a looming defeat. The Kraken, grappling with a disappointing offensive record, will look to reassess and rebound in their forthcoming games. As the Coyotes set their sights on future matchups with renewed optimism, particularly in their goaltending strategy, both teams are reminded of the thin margins between triumph and defeat in professional hockey.