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Attendance at Phoenix Coyotes games is once again an issue. Like much of last season, the Howlers have the worst attendance in the league — partly because desert-dwellers tend to not like hockey (until the Canadian snowbirds arrive, that is), and party because of games like Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
If you’re looking for Coyotes highlights, you’ve come to the wrong place. But it’s not our fault, there weren’t many. Aside from a few decent scoring opportunities — that were brushed aside by Tampa Bay goalie Dan Ellis — the Coyotes were shut down by the Lightning defense and outmatched by the team’s offense.
The Coyotes had only 13 shots through two periods in the loss, none of which found the back of the net.
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Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov fended off 16 Tampa Bay shots in the first two periods but was beat at the end of the second period by a wrap-around goal by Mattias Ritola.
The Lightning’s second goal was the result of a flukey pass off the right-wing boards that was deflected off the skate of Coyotes defenseman David Schlemko’s and past Bryzgalov.
Tampa Bay’s third goal came off a backhand from forward Steven Stamkos, the NHL’s leading scorer, with about five minutes left to play.
The Coyotes power play failed again on Saturday, with the team blowing two opportunities.
The Coyotes host the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. For more info click here.
