Coyotes’ offense tees off in win against Predators

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Phoenix Coyotes didn't need any overtime theatrics or miracle saves from Mike Smith.

With five players scoring in a balanced, dominant performance Sunday, the Coyotes beat the Nashville Predators 5-3 to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series.

Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata, Antoine Vermette and Martin Hanzal each had a goal and an assist, and Taylor Pyatt also scored.

"This is the best 60 minutes we've played in the playoffs, for sure," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "Just solid throughout."

Ryan Suter, Patric Hornqvist and Andrei Kostitsyn scored for the Predators.

Phoenix scored three times on 19 second-period shots. The Coyotes built a two-goal lead early in the second period. Nashville twice cut it to one, only to see Phoenix quickly respond.

The Coyotes avoided overtime for only the second time in eight playoff games.

"Tonight was more Coyotes-style hockey, the way we are capable of playing," Smith said. "We just raised the bar for ourselves."

The best-of-7 series shifts to Nashville for Game 3 on Wednesday.

Keith Yandle had two assists for Phoenix. Ray Whitney, who scored in overtime in Phoenix's 4-3 victory in Game 1 on Friday night, had one assist.

Nashville coach Barry Trotz said his team has been outscored 8-3 in 5-on-5 situations.

"Look at a lot of the goals, there's people staring at the puck and not taking anybody," he said. "And that's not going to win you anything."