There isn't much doubt that anyone watching the Arizona Coyotes lately is seeing a team playing better hockey, and the Coyotes turned that improved play into a win Thursday night at Gila River Arena.
But the Coyotes had to do something they aren't used to this season, play with a lead in the late going. They almost gave it up, but survived with a 6-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, highlighted by Johan Larsson's first career hat trick that helped end a seven-game home losing streak.
Playing in front of mostly Chicago fans at home, the Coyotes (7-22-3) got Larsson's first three goals of the season in one night — plus a goal and two assists from Travis Boyd, a goal and assist from Clayton Keller, a Dysin Mayo goal and two assists each from Phil Kessel, Janis Moser and Shayne Gostisbehere.