Coyotes’ rally from 4 down falls short
At this stage of the season, losses with fewer games to play than the team with which they’re battling for a playoff spot, the St. Louis Blues, are like a double whammy for the Arizona Coyotes.
Which is what the Coyotes had to endure Monday night, after poor starts to the first two periods. A stirring comeback attempt after going down by four goals came up just short, and Arizona fell 6-4 to a San Jose team that had lost its previous eight games and had essentially thrown in the towel for the season with plans to increase ice time for younger players.
The Coyotes (21-23-5) gave up the game’s first goal 17 seconds into the first period and never fully recovered in their first visit to San Jose this season, already knowing that the Blues had won their game earlier in the day.
The St. Louis win allowed the Blues to move back into fourth place and playoff position in the West Division, with 48 points while the Coyotes stayed on 47. The Coyotes, who have lost eight of their last 10 games, are down to seven more games to play in the regular season.
Their playoff odds got even longer. Jakob Chychrun scored two goals and added an assist and Michael Bunting, who started the season at AHL Tucson, had a goal and assist and raised his goal total to eight in 14 games this season. Clayton Keller scored a goal and Nick Schmaltz assisted on two. But it wasn’t enough, even though there were a few more chances to put pucks in the net.
The Coyotes replaced struggling starting goalie Darcy Kuemper with Adin Hill after the Sharks’ fourth goal, in the second period. Hill stopped 21 shots in 36 minutes of action.
Chychrun’s 16 goals are the most among NHL defensemen this season. The Coyotes have lost 21 of 22 games in which they’ve allowed four or more goals this season.
“Trying to make plays and be confident with the puck. Have patience. I think when guys are doing the right things, it’s easy to be in the right areas and find open spots on the ice,” Chychrun said. “I’m getting some good looks and able to put a few in the back of the net.”