A Stunning Comeback at Mullett Arena
In a dramatic turn of events, the Arizona Coyotes staged an impressive four-goal rally to snatch victory from the Ottawa Senators with a final score of 4-3 on Tuesday night. This remarkable comeback was sealed by Michael Kesselring's decisive goal with just 3:33 left on the clock, marking the Coyotes' third consecutive win and spoiling the return of Senators interim coach Jacques Martin.
Coyotes' Resilience Pays Off
The Coyotes found themselves in a daunting position after the first period, trailing the Senators by three goals. However, undeterred by the deficit, the team came alive in the third period. Jack McBain, J.J. Moser, and Clayton Keller were the catalysts of the resurgence, with Moser and Keller scoring within a mere 33 seconds of each other to level the game. Kesselring's winning goal, which deflected off Travis Hamonic's skate, ultimately capped the spirited fightback.
Arizona's goaltending also played a pivotal role in the turnaround. After Connor Ingram was substituted out having stopped only three of six shots, Karel Vejmelka stepped between the pipes to shut down Ottawa's offense, turning away all 16 shots he faced. The defensive effort was complemented by an aggressive offensive push that saw the Coyotes outshooting the Senators 13-5 in the third period and finishing with a 39-21 advantage overall.
Ottawa's Early Dominance Fades
The Senators started strong with Angus Crookshank, Josh Norris, and Dominik Kubalik each finding the net. Crookshank, recently called up from Belleville of the American Hockey League, opened the scoring and ended the Coyotes' streak of not allowing an even-strength goal at 139:47. Norris added to the tally eight seconds into a power play, while Kubalik's backhand redirection seemed to set the tone for Ottawa early on.
Despite the initial dominance, the Senators could not maintain their momentum. Interim coach Jacques Martin, who previously coached the team from 1996 to 2004, acknowledged the need for technical adjustments as the Coyotes mounted their comeback. Meanwhile, Senators forward Tim Stützle lamented the "unlucky bounce" that led to the winning goal and recognized the quality of the opposing team, despite the loss.
Senators' Coaching Shift and Milestones
The game was particularly significant for the Senators beyond the scoreboard. It marked the debut of NHL legend Daniel Alfredsson as an assistant coach for the team. Additionally, the match was the first since the firing of D.J. Smith on Monday, setting the stage for Martin's return behind the bench. Despite the defeat, Martin expressed comfort with his new role and emphasized the importance of gradual improvement.
On the player milestone front, Vladimir Tarasenko skated in his 700th career game, adding a layer of personal achievement amidst the competitive atmosphere. Mathieu Joseph, unfortunately, was sidelined for the second consecutive game due to a lower-body injury.
Reflections on a Memorable Night
For Crookshank, scoring his goal was a moment of personal triumph that transcended the game's outcome. He cherished the sight of his parents celebrating in the stands, creating a memory that will undoubtedly stay with him throughout his career.
Coach Andre Tourigny of the Coyotes praised his team's perseverance and spirit, reflecting on the turning point when McBain "broke the ice." His sentiment captured the essence of a team that refused to give up, believing in their ability to overturn the deficit right until the final buzzer.
The Coyotes' resilience not only earned them a thrilling victory but also solidified their formidable start at Mullett Arena, improving to an 11-5 record at home. This start is their best since the 2009-10 season, signaling a promising outlook for the team as they continue to build momentum.
Joonas Korpisalo, despite making 34 saves for the Senators, was unable to prevent the Coyotes' late-game heroics. As the Senators reflect on their fifth consecutive loss, the Coyotes can bask in the glory of a comeback that highlighted their tenacity and teamwork—a true testament to the unpredictable nature of hockey and the never-say-die attitude that defines the sport.