Coyotes rally to top Sharks at Jobing.com

Photo: Rick Scuteri/AP

Midway through the first period, things were looking bleak for the Phoenix Coyotes. San Jose’s Ryan Clowe had just scored a power play goal to put the visiting Sharks up 2-0.

But then, Viktor Tikhonov and Olli Jokinen scored just :27 apart, tying the game at 2. Early in the second period, Peter Mueller scored on the power play, giving the Coyotes a lead they would not relinquish in an impressive 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale.

Tikhonov’s goal was the first of his NHL-career, and he joined Mikkel Boedker, Kevin Porter and Kyle Turris as Coyotes who have scored their first league goals in a Coyotes’ uniform so far this season.

Jokinen scored his second goal of the night on an empty-netter with just :18 remaining for Phoenix.

Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was huge for Phoenix, stopping 30 shots on the night, and allowing Phoenix to push their record back over the .500 mark on the season. The victory puts the Desert Dogs at 7-6, and with 14 points, they trail Pacific Division-leading San Jose by 12 points.

The Sharks saw their 7-game winning streak come to an end. The Coyotes have won 2 straight and 3 of their last 4. Their next game is Wednesday night in Ohio against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Game Highlights from NHL.com/FSN Arizona

Three Stars

• Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix goalie - 30 saves.
• Olli Jokinen, Phoenix center - 2 goals, 1 assist.
• Martin Hanzal, Phoenix center - 1 assist

NHL.com : Recap | Box Score

Here’s what others are saying about the Coyotes’ come-from-behind win over the Sharks…

• Jokinen powers Coyotes past Sharks [TSN]
• Jokinen leads Coyotes past Sharks [AZCentral/AP]
• Sharks lose at Phoenix, 4-2 [San Jose Mercury News]

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Tags: Ilya Bryzgalov, Olli Jokinen, Peter Mueller, Phoenix Coyotes, Viktor Tikhonov