In Arizona, the Calgary Flames started Brian Elliott in goal and it paid with the goalie making 25 saves in a 4-2 win over the Coyotes Monday night.
It was Elliot’s first start since late November and first win since October.
“It was a weird game. You had a little bit of everything,” Elliott said. “I was disappointed in the goals that went in, but the guys did a great job and kept going.”
Kris Versteeg, who put through a concussion protocol in the second period, scored the game winner in the third period on the power play and also added an assist in the win.
“My bell was definitely rung, and I pretty much thought I was done,” Versteeg said. “The last thing on my mind was scoring when I was down there. But you go in, you collect yourself, do your tests, and once I was OK, I got ready for the third period. The night definitely improved.”
Troy Brouwer and Mikael Backlund scored power play goals as well.
TJ Brodie scored an empty-netter to ice the win.
“It’s so frustrating for players and coaches that we haven’t been able to sustain anything. When we do get in a situation where a team is pushing back, how do you push them back again? It’s frustrating,” Arizona head coach Dave Tippett said after the frustrating loss.
The Coyotes went 0-for-5 with the man advantage and the Flames scored three times on six chances.
“It was a contested affair. There were some emotions running high and big hits both ways. We don’t mind playing those games. Those games can help you. When you win them, they help you come together,” Calgary head coach Glen Gulutzan said.
WATCH: All Flames vs. Coyotes highlights
Christian Dvorak and Ryan White scored for the Coyotes.
“We have to get one there for sure,” Arizona’s Alex Goligoski said. “We weren’t able to generate much. We had some rolling pucks that just kind of got everything out of sync. We weren’t able to generate that high-quality chance. Another area we’ve got to work on.”
Mike Smith made 25 saves in the loss.
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