GLENDALE, Ariz. — This started out almost emotionless, and ended quite a bit different.
The Rangers were clearly the better team Thursday night against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena, but they were forced once again to dig deep. They were once again reminded points in this league are not handed out strictly by the talent on each bench or pedigree in the locker room.
Instead, there is a need for constant grit and determination, and they were able to conjure just enough in getting three power-play goals from Matt Puempel — his first career hat trick — to survive blowing two separate two-goal leads to secure a 6-3 victory.