Ray Whitney recorded his fourth career hat trick and added a pair of assists for a career high-tying five points as the Phoenix Coyotes skated to a 5-3 triumph over the visiting St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
Radim Vrbata recorded a tally and two assists, Martin Hanzal also scored and defenseman Keith Yandle set up two goals for the Coyotes, who extended their season-high winning streak to three games.
A nine-time 20-goal scorer, Whitney netted his first in 15 games this season at 5:39 of the second session and snapped a 2-2 tie during a 5-on-3 advantage less than five minutes later. The 38-year old completed the fourth hat trick by a Coyote this season and second in as many nights with an empty-netter in the final minute of the third.
Vrbata scored the first of Phoenix's three power-play goals five minutes into the contest, but Andy McDonald drew St. Louis even with just under six minutes to go in the opening period.
Hanzal netted what proved to be the winning tally during another power play with 4:57 left in the second period.
Ilya Bryzgalov made 35 saves for Phoenix.
McDonald and Patrik Berglund notched two assists apiece and Brad Boyes scored a goal for the Blues, who have dropped three straight following a seven-game winning streak.
St. Louis | Phoenix | |
Andy McDonald 3 | Points | Ray Whitney 5 |
Andy McDonald 1 | Goals | Ray Whitney 3 |
Andy McDonald 2 | Assists | Ray Whitney 2 |
David Backes 1 | Power Play Goals | Ray Whitney 1 |
N/A | Short Handed Goals | N/A |
Ty Conklin .846 | Save Percentage | Ilya Bryzgalov .921 |
Ty Conklin 22 | Saves | Ilya Bryzgalov 35 |