Coyotes rally past Sabres with 3-goal surge in third period

SARAH MCLELLAN

After their offense was idle for the first two periods, the Coyotes delivered all the scoring they needed in the third – using a three-goal period to rally for a 3-2 win Sunday over the Sabres at Gila River Arena.

Winger Radim Vrbata was at the helm of the comeback, contributing the gamewinner and adding an assist on the goal that erased the Sabres' shutout bid. With 19 seconds left, Vrbata's slap shot through traffic broke a 2-2 tie to record his 600th career point. He also extended his point streak to nine games – the longest active streak currently in the NHL. Vrbata has four goals and seven assists during that span.

Earlier in the period, winger Max Domi pounced on a clearing attempt that was knocked down into the slot by Vrbata.

And then at 13:41, McGinn made it 2-2 when he buried a bouncing puck in front for his first goal in 14 games and the 100th of his career.

Before that, the Sabres were in complete control. Center Jack Eichel opened the scoring with 1:59 left in the first with a shot through defenseman Connor Murphy's legs that went glove-side on goalie Louis Domingue. In the second, center Evan Rodrigues one-timed a feed on an odd-man rush at 9:53 to put Buffalo up 2-0.

Neither team capitalized on the power play with the Coyotes going 0-for-3.

Center Tyson Chandler and guard Brandon Knight have played key roles this season. Chandler has been the Suns’ starting center and a strong defensive presence, while Knight has been their first guard off the bench. But for the second consecutive game, neither player got off the bench Sunday against the Bucks.

This is part of Phoenix’s plan for the rest of the season. As much as possible, management wants to evaluate Len, forward Alan Williams, point guard Tyler Ulis and wing Derrick Jones Jr. Len is starting in Chandler’s place. Ulis has replaced Knight as the team’s backup point guard.

“Right now, it’s fluid,” Watson said of Chandler and Knight’s future playing time.

The coach praised Chandler’s response to the change.

“Tyson Chandler has been amazing,” Watson said. “He continues to speak and teach the young guys. He’s become an extension of a player-coach. His energy is always positive. You can’t say enough about his character. He’s been a great role model.”