The Phoenix Coyotes (19-16-4) came into Saturday's game looking to end 2011 on a good note and snap a four-game losing streak. The Desert Dogs would find a way to end the skid against the Minnesota Wild (21-13-6) with a 4-2 win.
The Coyotes put together a great offensive effort against the Wild despite missing top centers Martin Hanzal and Boyd Gordon. Radim Vrbata broke out of his scoring slump Saturday putting in his 17th and 18th goals of the year. Daymon Langkow and Ray Whitney also would also get on the scoresheet.
With Mike Smith still out with a lower-body injury, Curtis McElhinney started in net for the Coyotes for the first time this year. McElhinney was called up from the AHL Monday. The newcomer looked good in net, stopping 28 in his debut.
With the win Wednesday the Coyotes are now 3-0-1 in Minnesota in the Dave Tippett era. Coming into Saturdays game the Coyotes had played in seven consecutive one goal games and went 3-3-1 in that stretch.
The Coyotes will have two days off before facing the St. Louis Blues Tuesday. Fox Sports Arizona will carry the game and the puck drops at 6 p.m. Arizona time.