Boyd scores twice in 3rd period, Coyotes beat Blues 6-2

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Arizona Coyotes opened the gates for a sequence of breakaways. Karel Vejmelka stopped all however one.

His save with two opponents bearing down within the second interval modified the complexion of the sport, sending the Coyotes to a different big-scoring evening in opposition to the St. Louis Blues.

Vejmelka stopped 40 photographs, Travis Boyd had two targets and an help within the third interval, and the Coyotes beat the Blues 6-2 on March 7.

“His save within the second interval on the 2-on-0, that was: Wow!” Coyotes coach Andre Tourigny mentioned. “That was actually a momentum changer for each groups.”

The Coyotes obtained off to a shaky begin, giving up a breakaway for the primary of Pavel Buchnevich’s two targets, however Vejmelka stored them in it with a sequence of spectacular saves.

Christian Fischer and Nick Schmaltz scored to offer Arizona a 2-1 lead and Boyd put it away along with his two third-period targets. Clayton Keller added a aim and two assists, and Lawson Crouse additionally scored to offer the Coyotes 16 targets in three video games in opposition to St. Louis this season.

“That first couple minutes, unsure what we have been getting ourselves into, however we regrouped very well and Veggie at all times (is nice),” Fischer mentioned. “It’s straightforward to say, however nearly each recreation we’re saying our goalies’ names, but it surely’s true.”

St. Louis didn’t give its goalie a lot of an opportunity and had a tough time scoring in any scenario. Jordan Binnington gave up six targets on 27 photographs for St. Louis, which has misplaced eight of 9.

“We’ve got tons of possibilities. Breakaways, the ability play,” Blues coach Craig Berube mentioned. “Our energy play didn’t click on adequate to win us the hockey recreation.”

The Coyotes gave up 15 mixed targets of their earlier three video games and located themselves in one other gap in opposition to the Blues.

Arizona had two early icing calls throughout lengthy shifts in its personal finish and Buchnevich took benefit of a breakaway, beating Vejmelka to the glove aspect for his tenth level in six video games.

The Coyotes snapped out of it and scored halfway by the primary interval when a go by Connor Mackey caromed exhausting off the backboards to the opposite aspect of the aim. Fischer simply put it into an empty web with Binnington out of place.

Arizona had extra defensive breakdowns to begin the second interval, giving up a few breakaways. Vejmelka stuffed each, blocking Brandon Saad, then making a spectacular glove save on Robert Thomas on the 2-on-0.

“Once you do your goalie stuff, in all probability the entire bunch stands up there,” Fischer mentioned.

The Coyotes gave up one other breakaway, this time whereas on an influence play, however Vejmelka stopped Thomas once more. Schmaltz scored earlier than the ability play ended, beating Binnington from a pointy angle on a cross-crease go from Barrett Hayton.

Boyd made it 3-1 early within the third interval, taking a brief go from Keller and flipping a backhander previous Binnington.

Buchnevich scored halfway by the third interval, lifting a backhander over Vejmelka’s stick shoulder. Boyd pushed the lead again to 2 targets by punching in a rebound for his first multi-goal recreation and a hundredth profession level.

“You at all times go into the sport anticipating to win,” Berube mentioned. “We simply haven’t performed nicely sufficient or gained sufficient video games in opposition to non-playoff groups.”

MULLETT MAGIC

The Coyotes have heard the jokes about Mullett Enviornment, their 5,000-seat short-term house till a everlasting one will be constructed.

Small as it’s, the Mullett definitely provides Arizona a home-ice benefit.

Effectively out of the playoff image, the Coyotes are 15-11-3 at house.

“All people early within the season was making jokes and the whole lot about it, however I believe on the finish of the day, it’s a troublesome place to return in and play,” Boyd mentioned. “Our file speaks to that.”

NOTES: Coyotes F Liam O’Brien didn’t play as a result of sickness. … St. Louis F Jake Neighbours missed his seventh straight recreation with an upper-body harm. … Coyotes F Brett Ritchie has but to hitch the group as a result of visa points since being traded from Calgary on Friday in a deal that included his brother going to the Flames. … The Blues are 2 for 34 on the ability play prior to now 9 video games after going 0 for six in opposition to Arizona.

UP NEXT

St. Louis: Hosts San Jose on Thursday.

Arizona: Hosts Nashville on Thursday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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