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GLENDALE, Ariz. Josh Hamilton Angels Jersey . -- Downcast before the final game of what had been a difficult road trip, the Ottawa Senators found a way to dig out a little momentum in the desert before heading home. Cory Conacher scored at 2:48 of overtime, Jason Spezza completed a natural hat trick to erase a two-goal deficit and the Senators ended a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday night. "We came into this game with a little different attitude and it showed in most parts of the game," Conacher said. "Obviously, we took five to 10 minutes off and they got a couple of goals, but for the most part I think that we showed we can be a really good team." Ottawa had gone through a rough opening stretch of the season, following a win over Buffalo with a 0-2-2 run heading into Tuesdays game. The players talked after their morning skate about trying to end the road trip on a positive note and did just that, rallying from a 2-0 deficit behind Spezzas fifth career hat trick. Even after Phoenix tied it late in regulation, the Senators didnt let down, pulling out the two points on Conachers one-timer on a pass from Marc Methot in the extra period. Milan Michalek added a pair of assists for Ottawa, which will open its home season Thursday against New Jersey after earning six of a possible 12 points on the road trip. "Were excited to get home, excited to play our home opener," Spezza said. "Weve played six games now and we havent played at home. Were excited to play in front of our fans, see our families, play in our own arena." Coming off a five-game road trip, the Coyotes knew they had a tough night ahead of them, expecting to be tired and the Senators to play angry. Phoenix couldnt match Ottawas intensity early, but managed to keep it scoreless after an ugly first period and went up 2-0 early in the second on quick goals by Rob Klinkhammer and Radim Vrbata. The Coyotes responded after Spezzas hat trick, tying it on Mike Ribeiros first goal with the team, but couldnt finish it off in overtime to end a three-game winning streak. "What you try to do in a game like that, everyone in your group is contributing a little bit," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "Maybe not to their normal standard, but everybodys got to contribute a little bit. The problem tonight was probably half a dozen guys didnt contribute much at all and thats where you come up a little bit short." The Senators were coming off a pair of ugly losses, allowing a combined 106 shots against San Jose and Anaheim. Goalie Craig Anderson didnt last long in the loss to the Ducks, pulled after giving up two goals on nine shots in the first four minutes. Ottawa was much better in its own end early against the Coyotes, allowing one shot in the first 14 minutes while outshooting Phoenix 12-4 in the first period. "Coming off a road trip, you always want to have a good start at home, but we were lucky to come away from that 0-0," Coyotes defenceman Michael Stone said. The Coyotes changed things in a hurry at the start of the second period. Phoenix created a couple of quick scoring chances and Klinkhammer turned one into his third goal of the season, punching in a rebound less than 90 seconds into the period. Vrbata followed with his fourth goal 1:12 later, wristing a shot from the left circle that Anderson had trouble seeing through traffic. The Senators managed to gather themselves after the flurry. Ottawa pulled within 2-1 when Spezza punched in his second goal of the season after a shot by Patrick Wiercioch slid under Smith and bounced between the goalies skates. Spezza had another easy chance on his second goal of the game early in the third period, shooting to an empty net after Smith went out of his crease to play the puck, but had to let it go after it crossed out of the trapezoid in the corner. Spezza completed the natural hat trick a few minutes later on a power play, ripping a slap shot from the right circle past Smiths stick side. The Coyotes picked up the pressure late and tied it on Ribeiros redirect, but Conacher ended it in overtime, sending the Senators home happy. "Now were heading home and hopefully we can put together some games," Spezza said. "Getting those two points gives us a lot of confidence." Notes: Milan Michalek went up 18-17-1 in his head-to-head matchup with older brother Zbynek, Phoenix defenceman, with the Senators win. ... Coyotes LW Mikkel Boedker had his 100th career point with an assist on Vrbatas goal. ... Coyotes D Derek Morris did not play due to an upper-body injury. Nolan Ryan Jersey . Ausmus says he realized his words were insensitive and in poor taste as soon as they left his mouth. The first-year manager was asked after Detroits 2-1 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday how his mood is when he heads home from the ballpark these days. C.J. Wilson Jersey . Moore-Towers, 21, of St. Catharines, Ont., and Moscovitch, 29, of Toronto teamed up in 2009 and became Canadian pairs champions in 2011. They were runners-up at the national championships the past two years.TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on Anthony Bennetts big game, the skills of Jeff Teague, the performance of Nick Calathes, the energy of Joakim Noah and the compete level of Amir Johnson. 1. Anthony Bennett (Cavs): Congrats! Finally. Its been a very frustrating and disappointing rookie campaign for the young Canadian out of UNLV. The Cavs have won three in a row after an embarrassing loss at home to the undermanned Lakers and firing their GM Chris Grant. A wake up call? Maybe. For Bennett, its got to feel good and hopefully the fact that hes rounding back into shape will help his confidence and he relaxes and plays his game. Lots of pressure being the #1 overall pick in the draft to say the least. 2. Jeff Teague (Hawks): For the Raptors to win Wednesday, they have to control this guy at the point of attack. Hes terrific at getting into the lane and outplayed Kyle Lowry in their first meeting back in early November. Hes had a nice season at 15.7ppg and 7.3 apg. Lightning quick and he changes speeds really well. Gets into the lane almost at will. His penetration and ball-hawking skills defensively will be factors to watch. 3. Nick Calathes (Grizzlies): Awesome job filling in at the point guard spot vs. the Wizards Tuesday night with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Not a bad performance at all. Loved how he played with great poise at the end of the game vs. John Wall and concentrated on getting his team organized in their half-court offence and getting the ball to their two bigs and playing the power game. He really impressed me with his command of the game plan. Nice pick for them. 4. Joakim Noah (Bulls): Fabulous game Tuesday night vs. the Hawks. Watched the game and was blown way by the energy he had and the impact he had on the game. Posted a triple-double with 19 points, 16 boards and 11 assists. He competes at the top of the llist for players in the NBA; not many that play harder in the entire league. C.J. Wilson Authentic Jersey. A winner. With the Raptors currently (big game Wednesday vs. Hawks) in the third seed right now in the East with the Bulls, Hawks and Wizards occupying the 3-6 range of the East, the team I fear the most for a first round matchup for the Raptors is the Bulls. In spite of Derrick Rose being out and Luol Deng being traded, this team has what it takes to win in the playoffs and grind the game to a screeching halt and make you play ugly. For a young Raptors team in their first playoff series, this would be a matchup Id prefer they avoid. I know the Raptors have beaten them two of the first three games theyve played this year (they play again on next Wednesday in Toronto, coming off a back-to-back with Washington) but just ask last years Nets if you want to deal with the Bulls in the playoffs. Led by Noah, this club gets after you at a level in the playoffs that takes some getting used to. 5. Amir Johnson (Raptors): One of my all-time favorite Raptors. Not sure if hell play vs. the Hawks Wednesday but hes always been a gamer and wonderful competitor. The All-Star Break couldnt come at a better time for him than now. He needs the break to heal his injuries and fatigued body. He gives it his all for you and I respect that. I think hed be the first to tell you that he needs to play better and with more consistency down the stretch for the Raptors to be Atlantic Division champs and to also secure the third seed. If you watch the Raptors enough, its pretty obvious that when Johnson and Terrence Ross are going good and compliment Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Jonas and the bench, this team can play with anyone in the league. The night in and night out high level performance of Johnson and Ross, in my eyes, is the key to this team making a run here down the stretch. Consistency needed. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' ' |
