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Hanzal, Dubnyk’s big nights help Coyotes crush Canucks

Arizona Coyotes v Vancouver Canucks

Arizona Coyotes v Vancouver Canucks

NHLI via Getty Images

The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the NHL’s best comeback stories so far this season, but that wasn’t reflected in their play tonight. Martin Hanzal had a hat trick and Devan Dubnyk posted a 35-save shutout to lead the Arizona Coyotes to a 5-0 victory.

Hanzal found the back of the net in the first period to give the Coyotes the early lead despite the fact that they were outshot 12-3 through 20 minutes. Hanzal then broke this game open with back-to-back goals roughly nine seconds apart in the second period.

The hat trick goal had to sting for Miller, especially seeing as he felt the previous goal was scored on a high stick:

“I’m disappointed in that call,” Miller said, according to the Vancouver Province’s Jason Botchford. “The ref didn’t see it. I looked over and he wasn’t even looking.”

Regardless, it was Hanzal’s second career hat trick. His first was on Dec. 4, 2008, per the Coyotes’ Dave Vest.

Shane Doan scored in the final seconds of the second frame to add insult to injury.

The Coyotes suffered a scare when defenseman Keith Yandle left the game late in the first period after falling and crashing foot first into the end boards. He returned though and finished the contest with a goal and two assists.

This was also a big game for Dubnyk, who earned his first shutout since Dec. 27, 2013. He now has a 2.54 GAA and .913 save percentage in five games this season and given Mike Smith’s shaky play so far, it’ll be interesting to see if Dubnyk starts to play more.

Vancouver will get some time off to regroup before playing Edmonton on Wednesday.

Follow @RyanDadoun