One night after beating the East's best team in Philadelphia, the Phoenix Coyotes took their eight-game winning streak south to take on the East's current runner-up, the Tampa Bay Lightning. That win streak is staying in Florida.
Coyotes Vs. Lightning: Phoenix’s 8-Game Winning Streak Comes Crashing Down; Thanks, Teddy Purcell
Vincent Lecavalier had five assists and Teddy Purcell put up his first-ever NHL hat trick as the Lightning embarrassed the Coyotes, 5-1. It's definitely a bit of a wake-up call for Phoenix, who despite flying high for well over a week still only sits five points from eighth place in the West.
It was Ilya Bryzgalov’s first night off in 19 games. He needed a rest after telling SB Nation in Philadelphia on Tuesday night that he was mentally and physically a bit tired. Unfortunately, backup Jason Labarbera just wasn’t all that good. You understand, now, why Bryz gets all the ice time.
Tampa took control of this game basically right away and it never seemed in doubt. Before 10 minutes had even elapsed, two goals from Martin St. Louis and Purcell's first of the evening had already turned this one into a blowout. By the end of the first period it was 5-0 Lightning, and it was 7-0 before Phoenix even got on the board.
Dwayne Roloson made 25 saves in goal for the home team.
Elsewhere in the NHL...
Kings 3, Ducks 2: L.A.‘s incredible road trip is finally over. When they started the trip, the Kings were falling apart out West, but after a 6-1-3 record, they find themselves above the water line when it comes to the playoff race.
Sabres 4, Thrashers 1: Buffalo is officially in love with Terry Pegula. The HSBC Arena crowd gave the new Sabres’ owner a minute-long standing ovation during a pre-game ceremony before a big win over Atlanta on Thursday night. With the two points, the Sabres leaped over the Thrashers for ninth place in the East.
Oilers 5, Avalanche 1: While Craig Anderson is busy putting up zeros in Ottawa, former Sens goalie and new Avs goalie Brian Elliott began life in his new hockey home on Thursday night by allowed five goals on 31 shots. Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall each had two points for Edmonton.
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