RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- After being outscored 10-2 in the first two games of a five-game road trip, the Phoenix Coyotes had reason to wish they could pack their bags and return to Arizona.
''It was a morgue around here - nobody was happy, everybody was miserable,'' said Rob Klinkhammer.The mood on the team has certainly changed in the course of three games over five days.
Klinkhammer scored two goals Sunday, including the game-winner 22 seconds into the third period, to help the Coyotes pick up a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.
Shane Doan, Mikkel Boedker and Lauri Korpikoski had Phoenix's other goals. Mike Smith made 31 saves for the Coyotes, who closed a five-game road trip by winning in Detroit, Philadelphia and Carolina.
''It turns out to be a great road trip,'' Klinkhammer said.Eric Staal, Riley Nash and Jeff Skinner scored for the Hurricanes.
Cam Ward made nine saves after coming on with 10:08 left in the second period to replace starting netminder Anton Khudobin. Khudobin suffered a lower-body injury when he skated out to play the puck.
Ward allowed three of Phoenix's goals.''A few guys came ready to play and battle and play their game, but we had too many passengers tonight,'' said Carolina coach Kirk Muller. ''We had some of our top guys that just didn't bring their 'A' game tonight.''
With the score tied at 3 at the
start of the third period, Carolina's Staal gambled in the offensive
zone. He couldn't corral the puck, instead allowing Klinkhammer to skate
forward on a 2-on-1. Klinkhammer decided not to pass, snapping the puck
past Ward's glove.
