It’s that time of year, at least for this season, when you rejoice in facing the Anaheim Ducks.
The Arizona Coyotes hosted the Ducks on Thursday and promptly sent them packing with a 6-1 decision.
Vinnie Hinostroza had a hat trick in win over Ducks – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Vinnie Hinostroza picked up his first career NHL hat trick in the win.
“I’m excited. I haven’t scored three goals in a game probably since juniors,” Hinostroza said. “It’s something you don’t think about happening but when it does, it’s something special. It comes in a win and at a special time when we’re trying to hold a playoff spot.”
The win pushed the Coyotes three points clear in the second wild card position in the Western Conference.
“I’m sure everybody looks at the standings but we’re not going to focus on that. We can’t let things get away,” Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet said. “We’ve got to stay focused on our team. People start getting excited and telling you how great you are, and you’ve got to be careful. You can’t lose that edge, you can’t lift your foot off the gas pedal.”
Darcy Kuemper made 36 saves to get the win.
“I just think as a team our momentum is kind of snowballing here,” Kuemper said.
Jakob Silfverberg scored the Ducks’ only goal in the second period.
“I don’t think it was a 6-1 game out there. It felt different,” Silfverberg said. “We had our chances, just didn’t score and then it’s kind of been the flavor of the week, we take too many penalties.”
Jason Demers, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mario Kempe also scored for the Coyotes.
Kempe’s goal was scored with than one second left on the clock.
“[Hinostroza’s] really pushing the pace the last month. He’s really putting the heat on other team’s defensemen,” Tocchet said. “When he shoots, he’s got a good shot. His game’s gone to a different level.”
Arizona improved to 36-30-5.
“We’re comfortable defending, we’re comfortable in our own zone,” Kuemper said. “We know chances are going to come, and we’re not panicking and opening up and letting them (score).”
[WATCH: All Ducks vs. Coyotes highlights]
Ryan Miller made 18 saves in the loss.
“We had our chances, we had a lot of pucks toward the net, but we just didn’t find the back of it. Especially towards the end, down 4-1, we made some bad mistakes and they kind of get us where they want us. We took some dumb penalties,” Silfverberg said.
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