Anaheim Ducks pump up game play with 4-1 victory over Phoenix Coyotes -NHL Update
At some moments in the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, it was tough seeing Anaheim in the position they were, and at the moment still are, with an all-star line-up. The Ducks showed some momentum, which will hopefully boost their game play, by dominating the Phoenix Coyotes, 4-1, on Wednesday night, December 14, 2011, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, United States.
Freshly hired coach, Bruce Boudreau, who was let go by the Washington Capitals after spending multiple seasons with them, termed the Anaheim Ducks as a team working hard towards climbing back, in the rankings.
"This was the hardest I've seen a team work this year that I've been coaching, and that includes the Capitals," said Boudreau. "It was fun to watch."
Rod Pelley inaugurated his shooting in the season by scoring his first, with less than five minutes to go in the opening period, after the Ducks failed to capitalise on two straight penalties awarded to Phoenix Coyotes.
Niklas Hagman extended the lead by taking advantage of a power play, carried over from the first period, as Adrian Aucoin was booked late for tripping with a minor.
Martin Hanzal scored his fifth on an added man advantage when Luca Sbisa was sent to the benches for boarding and trying to break the momentum, but Hagman was bound to react and came back with his second of the night, with less than two minutes remaining in the period.
Kyle Palmieri also added his first of the season, off an assist by Bobby Ryan, who found him open on the side at the 3:30 mark of the third and final period, insuring an already secure match with Ducks' fourth goal.
"New coach, new system, and I don't play in a month -- that's pressure," said Lubomir Visnovsky. "Everybody was saying, 'Lubo is back, Lubo is back.' But every shift, I had more confidence in me. ... Sometimes it's still not easy because of the finger, but I have a lot of energy right now. The guys all need to bring energy."
Phoenix has the next at home against Edmonton Oilers on Thursday while Anaheim faces Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
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