Phoenix Coyotes edge Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in shootout- NHL Match Update
Toronto scored two goals straight in the third and final period to level the match and force an overtime extension but the Maple Leafs ultimately lost to the rowdy Phoenix Coyotes team who edged them, 3-2, in a shootout on Tuesday night, November 15, 2011,
at the sold-out Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Phoenix earned their second straight victory of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, coming out of a dominating 3-0 shutout victory over the San Jose Sharks.
The Maple Leafs on the other hand have been facing numerous losses ever since November started, which brings their total record for this month to three victories in the past seven contests.
Coyotes’ goalie, Mike Smith, had another wonderful performance by blocking 30 shots in the three periods of regulation along with another five in overtime and the first two in the shootout to blank Toronto.
"Everyone knows goaltending is mental", Smith said. "I know I have the physical ability to be a great goaltender in this League, but I've struggled with the mental aspect of it throughout my career. I have to find that consistency and Sean's been very good
for me. He's a guy that played in this League and did very well. Now I'm fortunate to have him on my side".
Phoenix took an early lead as captain, Shane Doan, scored the first in the opening two minutes and Oliver Ekman-Larsson fired off another to extend the lead at the 5:18 mark.
Remaining scoreless in the second period, Toronto was entering an intense third 20 minute round being down by two but Mike Komisarek and Phil Kessel levelled the match in the opening five minutes to force overtime.
Toronto missed their first two attempts in the shootout while Patrick O'Sullivan and Radim Vrbata capitalised on both of theirs to own the match.
"We battled", Kessel said. "We really tried to win this game and we battled back. Hopefully we can build on it".
Toronto has the next against the Nashville Predators on Thursday while the Phoenix Coyotes will be looking to extend their lead against the Philadelphia Flyers on the same day.
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