In Glendale, the New York Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko hit for a pair of goals on Wednesday night, including the game-winner, in a 3-2 decision for the Rangers over the Coyotes.
The Rangers trailed 1-2 with less than six minutes left in the game.
Mika Zibanejad tied the game, 2-2, before Kakko put the Rangers ahead with a tap in off a feed from Chris Kreider down low.
“It just was one of those nights where you have to battle,” Zibanejad said. “It might not be the prettiest, but it’s two points. And that’s the most important thing.”
Kreider had three assists in the win.
Kakko’s game-winner and Zibanejad were scored off the power play.
“It wasn’t the easiest way for us,” Kakko said. “We got the power play, and that was big for us. It was a big win for us.”
Keith Kinkaid made 29 saves for the Rangers in the win.
“It was awesome,” Kinkaid said. “It had been 2 1/2 weeks since I had a game, let alone an NHL game, so I just wanted to get in (game) mode a little bit, and I think I settled down after that. At the first, I had a little jitters, but overall I felt pretty calm and confident.”
New York improved to 19-7-3.
Loui Eriksson scored a shorthanded goal for the Coyotes late in the first period for a 1-0 lead.
The Coyotes dropped to 5-21-2.
Kakko scored his first of the game to tie it, 1-1, in the middle frame; both of Kakko’s goals came from positions at the blue paint.
Clayton Keller had a goal and two points on the night.
“I thought we played a good game, a good 60 minutes until they got those two power plays,” Keller said. “I think that’s how we want to play hockey games. That’s why you play this game, for games like that.”.
Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves in the Arizona loss.
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