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Big ups to Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Ed Jovanovski, who became the first defenseman in Howlers history to get a hat trick, which he did during the team’s 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators last night.
Defenseman aren’t the primary scorers in hockey, so the fact that one put the biscuit in the basket three times in one game is a fairly big deal.
“It was a heck of an effort on his part, that’s for sure,” Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said after the game. “He was opportunistic on the goals, but he played a solid game for us, too. It was good to see him get rewarded for that hard work.”
Jovanovski was solid but the rest of the team was sloppy for much of the game.
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Nashville had the edge in the first two periods, outscoring the Coyotes 3-2, thanks to some defensive missteps. For the most part, however, goaltender Illya Bryzgalov was solid, which kept Nashville from running up the score.
Jovanovski’s first goal came about a minute into the game, when he clanged one off the post and into the net.
About a minute into the second period, Jovanovski struck again, putting another one past Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne.
Down 3-2 going into the third period, Lee Stempniak tied it up for the Coyotes with a rare power play goal (it was the first power play goal the Coyotes have scored at home this season).
About 75 seconds later, Jovanovski struck one last time — also a power play goal — to give the Coyotes the lead with about 15 minutes remaining in the game.
Nashville had some chances to tie it up late in the game, but the Howlers fended off each attempt.
The Coyotes head to Dallas to take on the Stars tomorrow night. For more info click here.
