Derek Morris buried the game-winning goal with less than three minutes into the third period to lift the lively Coyotes over the raucous Red Wings in a first round NHL matchup in Glendale. Fourth seeded Phoenix scored goals in each of the three periods to put away fifth seeded Detroit 3-2. Morris, traded to the Coyotes from Boston at the deadline, broke a 2-2 tie and assisted on two other power play goals. Ilya Bryzgalov was superb in net after allowing two Detroit goals in the first period. Bryzgalov made 38 saves as the Coyotes won their first playoff game since 2002. Red Wings’ 13 year veteran, Tomas Holmstrom, scored the first goal of the Western Conference series Wednesday. Nicklas Lidstrom followed Holmstrom with a power play goal as Detroit took an early advantage in their 19th straight playoff appearance. Lidstrom needed five stitches after taking a stick to the face in the third period. Phoenix was outshot 30-15 through the first two periods, but managed to find the net twice off the sticks of Ketih Yandle and Wojtek Wolski. Detroit goalie, Jimmy Howard, staved off 32 shots but his team fumbled 1-of-6 power play opportunities. The Coyotes split four regular season games with the Wings and were the stronger team last night. The Wings have the upper hand in previous playoff meetings with the Coytes. They certainly have more post-season experience. But now they must play catch-up in order to continue their Stanley Cup title chase.
Brian Boucher was brilliant for the Flyers in recording his first playoff victory in ten years. Philadelphia derailed the Devils on their home ice 2-1 in an Eastern Conference showdown between neighborhood rivals. Journeyman Boucher turned aside 23 shots, including a stifling save with ten seconds in regulation on an attempt by Patrik Elias. Boucher denied Zach Parise and Elias all night. Chris Pronger and Mike Richards added second period goals as the seventh seeded Flyers’ momentum continued into the first round playoff meeting. Philadelphia secured a playoff berth just this Sunday with an overtime win over the New York Rangers. New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur made just 12 saves and received little help from his offense. The Devils couldn’t put anything together, forced shots and couldn’t adjust on defense. A besieged Brodeur was thoroughly outdueled by Boucher. The home team had little answers for Boucher and the Flyers at the Rock. The Devils’ lone goal came in the third period but it was too late. Travis Zajac’s slap shot bounced in front of Boucher with 2:43 left to spoil the goalie’s shutout bid. New Jersey was an unsuccessful 0-for-5 on the power play. The Flyers grabbed home-ice advantage with the first win of the seven game series. The Devils are accustomed to being behind in the playoffs. New Jersey has not won a post-season series in three years. For the Devils’ sake, let’s hope this is not another first round exit.
Parting Points: Brandon Marshall was shipped from Denver to Miami. Who else will go shopping before the NFL schedule hits the newsstands on Tuesday?
More NHL playoff updates: The Pens dropped their post-season opener in a 5-4 grinder against Ottawa. Chris Stewart notched the game-winning goal for Avalanche as the Colorado clipped San Jose 2-1.
Thursday’s Tune- “Reason for Breathing” by Babyface
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