In Game 1 the Phoenix Coyotes struck first and lost. Hopefully, that trend will continue in Game 2 but the deficit is deep. Detroit scored twice on power play goals and then put in a third on the rush. The Coyotes committed several silly penalties in the first period which put them in a 2-0 hole and then got beat by a brilliant play on the third.
The first goal came at 10:42 by Pavel Datsyuk with assists to Nicklas Lidstrom and Todd Bertuzzi. Datsyuk fired one in from up top while Ilya Bryzgolov was screened by activity in front of the crease.
The second power play goal came from Brian Rafalski at 15:50 with assists to Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom. Once again Bryzgolov was screened and Rafalski snuck a shot in under his stick.
The third goal at 19:01 came on a rebound by Darren Helm after Datsyuk made a great move to get a clean look at goal that was deflected straight to Helm. The Coyotes defense was no where to be seen.
The Coyotes are enough of an underdog in this series, they can't afford dumb penalties. 10 minutes in the period on penalty kill off three calls is not going to get it done.
Phoenix had eight shots on goal to nine for Detroit.
Game Thread at Five for Howling
Phoenix Coyotes @ Detroit Red Wings GameThread, Apr 16, 2011 10:00 AM MST - Five For Howling
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