TEMPE, Ariz. — In an exhilarating Tuesday night showdown at Mullett Arena, the Arizona Coyotes staged an incredible comeback to triumph over the Ottawa Senators 4-3, marking a less-than-ideal start for Jacques Martin in his debut as the Senators’ coach. The Coyotes’ resilience and determination were on full display as they overcame a three-goal deficit to secure a memorable victory.
The game began with Ottawa displaying dominance, as rookie Angus Crookshank, playing only his second NHL game, opened the scoring for the Senators. Crookshank’s deft redirection of Artem Zub’s shot at 4:09 of the first period was a moment to remember, marking his first NHL goal. The Senators continued their offensive surge, with Josh Norris expanding their lead to 2-0 with a powerful one-timer during a power play.
Dominik Kubalik further extended Ottawa’s lead to 3-0 with a skillful no-look backhand redirect, leaving the Coyotes reeling. This early onslaught saw the Senators scoring three times from just six shots against Coyotes’ goalie Connor Ingram. However, the game’s tide turned when Karel Vejmelka replaced Ingram in the Arizona goal. Vejmelka’s entry brought a renewed vigor to the Coyotes, with the goalie making crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.
The Coyotes’ comeback began in earnest in the second period when Jack McBain found the net, cutting the deficit to 3-1. This goal ignited a spark within the Coyotes, setting the stage for an exhilarating third period.
J.J. Moser’s goal early in the third period further narrowed the gap, followed swiftly by Clayton Keller’s sharp-angle equalizer, tying the game at 3-3. The Coyotes’ relentless pressure finally paid off when Michael Kesselring scored the go-ahead goal at 16:27, completing an astonishing comeback.
For the Senators, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly as it marked their fifth consecutive defeat. The game was especially significant for Martin, returning as Ottawa’s coach after a previous tenure from 1996-2004. His return, however, was overshadowed by his team’s inability to maintain their early lead and close out the game.
On the other hand, the Coyotes’ victory, their third straight, was a testament to their resilience and never-say-die attitude. Vejmelka’s stellar performance in goal was a game-changer, providing the stability needed for Arizona to mount their comeback.
As the Coyotes celebrated their hard-fought victory, the Senators were left to reflect on what could have been. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of the NHL, where no lead is ever safe, and the outcome is always in doubt until the final whistle.
