In Glendale, Phil Kessel broke through on the scoresheet with his first two goals of the season as the Arizona Coyotes downed the visiting Nashville Predators, 5-2.
“We could have won them all so far. We’re playing well,” Kessel said. “If we keep building, we’re going to be a real tough team. Guys are confident. Guys are working for each other and playing hard.”
Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves in the win and the Coyotes were 4-for-5 with the power play.
“He (Kessel) wasn’t panicking,” Arizona head coach Rick Tocchet said. “He’s been getting his looks. We’ve got to get him the puck in that (slot) area because he’s a home-run hitter, and we did.”
Dante Fabbro and Nick Bonino scored for the Predators.
“It wasn’t a great game from us,” Predators defenseman Roman Josi said. “They were the better team and we got what we deserved. We came out flat and didn’t win any battles.”
Christian Dvorak and Jakob Chychrun had single markers for Arizona.
“Our identity is we defend the puck well,” Tocchet said. “We hang our hat on that, and guys take it personal. I give the players credit because they stuck with the game plan.”
Carl Soderberg added an empty net goal late.
“Whenever the power play can contribute on a given night is huge because the 5-on-5 play is so tight. It’s been kind of building and we got three big [power-play goals] tonight,
Nick Schmaltz said after the win. “ou know you’re not going to score two or three every night, but I think we can continue to get momentum and play with confidence out there.”
[WATCH:Â All Predators vs. Coyotes highlights]
Juuse Saros made 27 saves in the loss.
“If it weren’t for Juuse, they would have scored 14 goals,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said.
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