Western Conference Final Recap

Western Final

Arizona Coyotes - 5 @ Winnipeg Jets - 2

• Arizona leads series 1-0

The Arizona Coyotes scored 5 straight goals and howled their way to a Game 1 victory. 

Derek Grant, who had the OT winner in Game 6 of their series against the Ducks to keep their playoff hopes alive, scored for the third straight game. His goal held up as the game-winner. 

The two teams used the opening period to feel each other out and entered the second in a scoreless tie. By the end of the middle frame the Coyotes led 4-0. 

Mathieu Perrault opened the scoring, with Conor Sheary following that up with a powerplay tally for his 5th of the playoffs. Grant and Kevin Labanc rounded out the scoring. Johnny Gaudreau would add another powerplay goal for the 'Yotes before Winnipeg would finally get on the scoresheet. 

Elias Lindholm (8th) and Mikko Rantanen (7th) scored the goals for the Jets. 

Pekka Rinne played his first minutes of the playoffs after getting sent in to relieve Tuukka Rask. Rask allowed 4 goals on 15 shots, while Rinne stopped 9 of 10. Connor Hellebuyck continued his stellar playoff run with 33 saves and .943 SP%

THREE STARS

Connor Hellebuyck (ARI): 33 saves, .943 SP%
Conor Sheary (ARI): 1 goal, 1 assist, +1, 1 hit, 5 shots, 1 GA, 1 TA, 19:00 TOI
Derek Grant (ARI): 1 goal, +2, 1 hit, 3 shots, 15:11 TOI