Despite an evenly played first period, the Phoenix Coyotes have a 1-0 lead going into the first intermission after Radim Vrbata deflected the puck past Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson for his 12th goal of the season. Martin Hanzal and Ray Whitney were credited with assists on the goal.
A Ryan O`Byrne turnover in the zone allowed Phoenix to take possession and Vrbata was able to skate between Ryan O`Reilly (in his first game back from injury) and John-Michael Liles, who is playing in his 500th career NHL game.
Colorado forward Cody McLeod was called for a roughing penalty at 18:20, but the Avalanche’s penalty kill was able to kill off the remainder of the period without allowing a goal. They currently have the second best road penalty kill in the NHL, and haven’t allowed a road power play goal since December 11 against the Washington Capitals.
Phoenix is outshooting the Avalanche by a 11-6 margin.