GLENDALE, Ariz – Derek Morris netted the game winner for the Coyotes Wednesday night early in the third period to propel Phoenix to a 1-0 lead in their series with the Red Wings thanks to a 3-2 win in Game One of their best-of-seven series. The Coyotes (and Winnipeg Jets) have been snake-bitten for years in the NHL post-season, but the current roster of Coyotes may just be able to get this franchise over the hump.
The Red Wings made the post-season on the strength of players returning from the injury list. Tomas Holmstrom was one of those players and he picked up his first of the post-season at 12:17 of the first period.
Keith Yandle tied it for Phoenix on the power play before Nicklas Lidstrom gave Detroit their second lead of the game off on a power play goal.
Wojtek Wolski knotted the match at two at 6:15 of the second period, also on the power play. The Coyotes scored all three of their markers on the man advantage.
Coyotes’ netminder Ilya Bryzgalov was brilliant in the pipes for Phoenix and has enabled the club to relax and play their game while holding the Wings off the scoreboard after the first 20 minutes. Bryzgalov made 38 saves on 40 shots and was strong in net when the Coyotes needed the great save to snuff out a Red Wings threat.
At the other end of the ice Jimmy Howard was nearly equal to the task but for the power play opportunities yielded by Detroit.
Special teams won the game for the Coyotes but their full strength play will need to be picked up as the series progresses.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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