After having played great defensively all playoffs, the Phoenix defense fell apart in the second half of the first OTHL final. 5 goals were allowed in the final 30 minutes. In fact, the six goals allowed in the game matched the number of goals allowed for the entire series against Dallas in the Western Conference quarterfinals. After allowing three goals within five minutes in the third period Dwayne Roloson, the star of the Coyotes in this years playoffs, had enough and was replaced by Martin Gerber.
Gerber played solid in the half period of play he got, but is not expected to replace Roloson in the next game. Mats Sundin, who was on the ice for three goals against, refused to blame Roloson for the loss. "Dwayne wasn't the problem tonight, we left him all alone. Anytime you allow your opponents 16 shots on goal in a single period you know you are in trouble" Sundin said. Joe Nieuwendyk added "Dwayne has been been playing great every single game for a long time now, but we cant expect him to save us every time we dont do our part. To win the Stanley Cup everybody has play at their best. New Jersey showed what a great team they are during the regular season, and it is no suprise to find them here in the finals."
Phoenix will have to watch their temper as well in the next game. Andrei Nazarov and Fredrik Modin allowed opponents to get under their skin last night, and ultimatley paid with two game misconducts. Something that the Coyotes cant afford if they want to tie the series before heading back to Phoneix for game three.