The Phoenix Coyotes completed the preseason on a positive note, defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Saturday night at Jobing.com Arena.
The game was scoreless after the first period. Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith was up to the task in the opening period stopping all nine shots he faced. Smith had to be sharp from the get go, as Sharks forward Torrey Mitchell had two opportunities from point blank range, within the first minute of play. Sharks net-minder Thomas Greiss was also perfect in the first, stopping all ten shots he faced.
Coyotes center Martin Hanzal opened the scoring 30 seconds into period number two. Hanzal slapped home a rebound from just above the slot, beating Greiss. Ray Whitney and Radim Vrbata picked up the assists on Hanzal's first goal of the preseason.
The Coyotes would strike again nearly 7 minutes later on a goal by Lauri Korpikoski. Korpikoski re-directed a shot sent towards the net by Patrick O'Sullivan, to pick up his first goal of the preseason. Keith Yandle also picked up an assist on the goal.
Just over 3 minutes after Korpikoski's goal, Taylor Pyatt would make it 3-0 Coyotes. Pyatt scored his first of the preseason by beating Greiss on a wrap around attempt. Hanzal and Vrbata picked up the helpers on the goal.
The Sharks would get on the board just over 7 minutes into the third and final period. Marc-Edouard Vlasic sent a floater towards the net, that appeared to deflect off a Coyote and change directions to beat Smith. The goal was unassisted and Vlasic's first of the preseason.
The Coyotes kick off the regular season Saturday, October 8th, as they take on these same Sharks in San Jose.