GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Everything that didn't work in the first game suddenly seemed to go exactly as planned for the Phoenix Coyotes in tonights game. Even though the Dallas Stars once again scored the first goal, after having dominated most of the first period, the Coyotes soon found themselves in control of the game. Shawn Bates equilized the score only a minute after Josef Melichars opening goal.
The shot total of 13-13 in the second period hardly portrayed the game as the Coyotes had almost all of the clear chances. Goals by Aleksey Morozov and Kim Johnsson put Phoenix ahead in the middle of the period, and after another pair of quick goals by Markus Näslund and Johnsson at the end of the period the game was pretty much lost for the Stars.
Heading into the third period with a 5-1 lead the Coyotes could play a relaxed game, and never gave the opposition a chance to recover. Goals by Cory Cross and Mats Sundin completed the seven-goal run by the Coyotes, ending the game with a score of 7-1.
One must wonder what happened to Stars goalie Cristobal Huet. He was in full control of game 1 and seemed full of confidence, but tonight he was called off the ice late in the second period after allowing his fifth goal of the game. Will Ted Nolan give him another chance, or will Andrew Raycroft start the next game? Only time will tell.
Nolan has more problems to consider as well, as Jaromir Jagr left the ice late in the game with an injury. As of now, it is unknown if he will be back in time for game three in Dallas. Should he miss the game, it would be a massive setback for the Stars offense which has only managed two goals so far in the series.
The situation looks much brighter for the Phoenix Coyotes as their forwards seems to have found their late season form again. Peter Forsberg and Mats Näslund once again showed what they are capable of, combining for 6 points. They were, however, once again outshined by Dwayne Roloson who had another brilliant night, stopping 33 of 34 shots. After two games he has an impressive .969 saving percentage.