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Coyotes Strike Oilers


The Phoenix Coyotes knew things would go their way when they scored on their first three shots.

Robert Reichel had two goals and an assist and Keith Tkachuk notched four assists as the Coyotes equalled a franchise record with six first-period goals in a 7-4 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.

"Getting up 6-2 after the first period is definitely a nice cushion," Coyotes forward Jeremy Roenick said. "When you play an 82-game schedule, you're going to have some nights when the puck goes in a little easier."

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Game summary

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  • The Oilers missed a chance to move ahead of the Calgary Flames for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Flames tied the Colorado Avalanche 3-3 Tuesday night, giving them 68 points, one ahead of Edmonton. Both teams have eight games remaining in the regular season.

    "We've been sitting in the back trying to think of an excuse," Oilers coach Ron Low said. "We were soundly beaten by a hockey club that I don't think is that much better than ours."

    The line of Tkachuk, Roenick and Shane Doan combined for eight points in the first period and 10 points overall.

    Doan finished with a goal and two assists while Roenick had one goal and two assists. Oleg Tverdovsky, Rick Tocchet and Keith Carney also scored for the Coyotes.

    Mike Grier had two goals and Ryan Smyth and Doug Weight also scored for the Oilers, who trailed 5-0 after 15:46 of the first period.

    The Coyotes scored on their first three shots.

    Reichel scored the first two goals of the game. Then Doan scored at 8:26 of the first, resulting in Oilers goalie Tommy Salo being pulled in favor of Bob Essensa.

    Reichel has six goals and three assists in five games with the Coyotes since being acquired in a March 20 trade with the New York Islanders.

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