Nick Schmaltz scored the overtime winner as the Coyotes won their third out of four games last night against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
The Ducks are one of the NHL's worst teams, but you wouldn't know it most nights because goalie John Gibson is probably the best in the NHL. The best goalie vs the NHL's worst offense is of course a recipe ripe for a 5-4 goalfest.
Surprisingly, the Coyotes recent three wins have all been high scoring affairs, with the 'Yotes scoring four, five and six times in their victories.
Of note in this one: One of the 46 injured Coyotes players returned to the lineup last night, when Vincent Hinostroza laced them up for the first time since he suffered a left-shin sprain (Note that for now on I just make up injuries because the NHL refuses to show its fans the respect of telling them why their favorite players aren't in the lineup).
Hinostroza had no shots, barely played and wasn't particularly noticeable, but he's a solid player whose return to the lineup is necessary if the Coyotes are to make a miracle run.
Tonight the Coyotes will play the Las Vegas Golden Knights a team whose name and uniform are the worst thing in sports besides the NHL's scheduling department. One game on a Sunday? Come on!
The Coyotes entered last night's action in a tie for 30th place, but the win vaulted them all the way up to 23rd, and if they win tonight they'll be just one point behind the Oilers, a team that was just last week talking about their rejuvenation under Ken Hitchcock, but who are now just six points from the basement.
Happy New Years!