NHL Game Summary - Phoenix at Colorado
(Thursday, January 6th)
Final Score: Phoenix 2, Colorado 0
Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Jason LaBarbera stopped all 34 shots he faced
for his sixth career shutout and led the Phoenix Coyotes to a 2-0 win over the
Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center.
Taylor Pyatt scored both goals for the Coyotes, who have won two straight
after a two-game skid.
"We did a good job of not turning pucks over in our zone," said LaBarbera.
"That sure makes my job a lot easier -- it feels good when I can help the guys
get the win."
Craig Anderson was strong with 31 saves in the losing effort. The Avalanche
fell to 2-5-1 in their last eight games overall.
The Coyotes hit the net midway through the first period. A shot from the point
by Lee Stempniak was stopped, but Anderson allowed a long rebound. From the
top of the crease, Pyatt was able to free himself from a defender, collected
the loose puck and lit the lamp with a backhander from near the right post at
the 9:35 mark.
"I just tried to set up a screen, and when I got the puck, I was able to lift
it up."
Colorado had several quality scoring chances in the second period, including a
breakaway that LaBarbera stopped as well as a blazing slap shot from the lower
left circle by Matt Duchene.
In the third, Avs forward Daniel Winnik had good look from the lower left
circle, but LaBarbera scooped the attempt with his glove.
"We played a good game and we had close chances, but we just couldn't bury
one," said Anderson.
Anderson was pulled for the extra attacker inside the final minute of
regulation. Colorado gained three faceoffs in its offensive zone after
attempts at the empty net went wide for three separate icing calls, but to no
avail.
Pyatt's empty-netter sealed the victory with 20 seconds to go.
"It was a good defensive game and a good road win for us," Pyatt added.
Game Notes
Phoenix improved to 16-2-5 when scoring the first goal of the game this season
and is also now 10-0-3 when the club leads after the first period...It was the
second shutout of the season for LaBarbera...This was the second time this
season that the Avs were shut out, both occurring at home.
01/07 00:09:50 ET
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