Coyotes bruised in home loss to Blues

Ekman-Larsson goes down as rally falls short

The loss was disheartening, a splash of cold water on the momentum the Coyotes had amassed in recent days while their offense wowed. But it could have been much worse. Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson left Saturday’s game – a comeback bid that fizzled into a 6-4 setback against the Blues in front of15,839 at Gila River Arena – with a lower-body injury.

He’s considered day to day and will accompany the team on its five-game road trip that starts Monday in Washington against the Capitals. Coach Dave Tippett, who isn’t concerned this is a long-term injury, hasn’t ruled Ekman-Larsson out for that game.

“He wanted to come back,” Tippett said. “The more we looked at it, we decided to keep him off.”

On his first shift of the game, Ekman-Larsson’s right skate clipped Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko’s skates before the two tumbled to the ice. Ekman-Larsson was whistled for tripping but instead of reporting to the penalty box, he hobbled down the tunnel toward the Coyotes’ dressing room and didn’t appear to be putting pressure on his right foot.

“Everyone’s scared,” captain Shane Doan said. “Obviously, he’s a big part of our team. He’s our best player.”

Ekman-Larsson would return later in the period, but he left the ice again after only a 15-second shift.

The 24-year-old had 11 points in his previous seven games, helping keep the team’s playoff hopes alive. His 17 goals rank second among all NHL defensemen, and his 45 points – a career high – sit fourth. Ekman-Larsson’s seven game-winning goals have tied a league record for most by a defensemen.

“Obviously, losing ‘O’ is a big deal,” said defenseman Kevin Connauton, who had a goal and two assists while playing a season-high 31:11 in EkmanLarsson’s absence. “He’s a horse back there and one of the top guys on this team. Definitely missed him.”

On the brink of that East Coast road trip, the Coyotes remain below the

See COYOTES, Page 4C