A late power-play goal by Martin Erat tied the game between the Phoenix Coyotes and Nashville Predators at 3-3 and ultimately forced the game into overtime. In sudden death overtime, the two teams played it tight, but the Coyotes were able to sneak away with a victory and take the early lead in the series 1-0.
Coyotes Vs. Predators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Ray Whitney Goal Wins It For Phoenix, 4-3
The Coyotes' Ray Whitney picked up the game-winning goal with just over five minutes left in the overtime period, assisted by Martin Hanzal. The Coyotes won the face off deep in Preds territory, and Whitney just happened to be at the right spot to nearly immediately punch in the game winner.
As you can see by the reaction of winger Sergei Kostitsyn, the Predators are not happy with the loss and going down 1-0 early in the seven game series.
We have full coverage of Game 1 between the Coyotes and Predators in our StoryStream. For the Nashville perspective, check in with Predators blog On the Forecheck, and for the Phoenix perspective, check in with Coyotes blog Five For Howling.
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