Coyotes Defeat Predators in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers

The Arizona Coyotes defeat the Nashville Predators in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers with a score of 4-1. The Coyotes lead the series 2-1. Both teams played at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Here’s a recap of game one between the Coyotes and Predators.

1st Period

Nashville started the game strong shooting the game’s first three shots. But, Arizona also had some good scoring opportunities which kept them up with Nashville. The Coyotes first shot of the game came just after five minutes into the game from forward Christian Dvorak. Even though the Predators outshot the Coyotes 19-9 this period, they couldn’t find an answer to Coyotes’ goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

Arizona went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.

2nd Period

The game was still up for grabs but the Predators started to play better defensively though they were outshot 9-5 by the Coyotes. Predators forward Viktor Arviddson scored the team’s first goal at the 12:29 mark of the period. However, the Coyotes were able to build back some momentum late in the period but weren’t able to get a goal.

The game was tied at one heading into the third period.

3rd Period

Nashville again came out hot out of the intermission. They were able to score an early goal but it was overturned due to an offside challenge by the Coyotes. From there, it was all Coyotes though the Predators had some scoring chances. As a result, the Coyotes scored three unanswered goals from forwards Conor Garland, Taylor Hall and Carl Soderberg. They were also the better defensive team this period despite being outshot 16-10. However, Arizona was outshot by Nashville 40-28 but were still able to get a win.

Arizona won the game 4-1 and took the series lead 2-1.

Nashville now faces elimination in Game 4. The key for Nashville is to not rely so much on their offense and their scoring ability and should focus on their defensive game heading into Game 4. Even though the Predators lost Game 3, goaltender Juuse Saros has been playing tremendously well during this series and is the reason why the score isn’t worse than what it was.

Three Stars of the Game

Third Star: Taylor Hall (1 goal, 1 assist)

Second Star: Conor Garland (1 goal)

First Star: Darcy Kuemper (39 saves)

Game 4 of the Coyotes-Predators series is on Aug. 7 at 2:30 pm EST. Should Arizona win Game 4, they could be the first team to pull off an upset. The Coyotes are the No. 11 seed and the Predators are the No. 6 seed. There are three other series matchups with potential upsets as well. (Penguins-Canadiens, Blue Jackets-Maple Leafs and Blackhawks-Oilers). All three of these games play on Aug. 7 as well.