Third-period goal sinks Coyotes in loss to Rangers

New York Rangers vs. Arizona Coyotes: Trocheck’s Goal Seals Victory in Home Opener

In an exhilarating match that saw Vincent Trocheck score the go-ahead goal and Igor Shesterkin save a crucial penalty shot, the New York Rangers emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes in their home opener. This victory marks the Rangers’ second win in three games this season.

Trocheck’s game-winning goal came at the 8:26 mark of the third period during a power play. The Coyotes’ goalie, Connor Ingram, had previously made an impressive pad save on Mika Zibanejad’s shot, but Trocheck’s deflection could not be stopped. Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin provided the assists on Trocheck’s first goal of the season.

Shesterkin, the Rangers’ goaltender, made 26 saves throughout the game. His remarkable save on Jason Zucker’s penalty shot with less than five minutes remaining secured the one-goal lead for the team.

Clayton Keller scored the lone goal for the Coyotes, while Chris Kreider scored the opening goal for the Rangers. Kreider’s goal, his fourth in three games, was assisted by Zibanejad and Kappo Kakko.

Despite facing a 5-on-3 disadvantage for two minutes in the second period, the Rangers managed to fend off the Coyotes’ onslaught. Ryan Lindgren and Alexei Lafreniere were both penalized, but the courageous defensive efforts of the team kept the Coyotes from scoring.

This loss for the Coyotes prevents them from starting the season with a 2-0-0 record for the first time since 2015-16. The team will continue their four-game trip against the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

The Rangers have been dominant against the Coyotes in recent matchups, earning points in 16 of their last 17 games. Since March 24, 2014, they hold a record of 14-1-2 against the Coyotes, including an impressive 12-0-2 record when playing at home since the 2008-09 season.

New York defensemen have been instrumental in the team’s success, contributing eight points in three games so far this season.

Noteworthy mentions include Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba playing his 600th NHL game and the upcoming rematch between the two teams scheduled for March 30 in Arizona. Coyotes’ defenseman Josh Brown and forward Michael Carcone were scratched for this game.

The Coyotes’ next game is against the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Third-period goal sinks Coyotes in loss to Rangers