Friday night at Gila River Arena was loaded with mixed emotions against the backdrop of the final game in Glendale for the Arizona Coyotes.
The overwhelming sense of sadness at leaving the building after 19 years, with the excitement of a temporary future at Arizona State University's multipurpose arena. The Coyotes falling behind 4-0 in the first seven minutes of the game, then rallying to win 5-4 before one of the largest crowds of the season, with Shayne Gostisbehere breaking the tie just over halfway through the final period. And finally, the smattering of boos for President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez during an on-ice interview, juxtaposed with the applause and ovations for former longtime captain Shane Doan and former Coyote Jeremy Roenick.