3 takeaways from Arizona Coyotes' home-opening loss to Winnipeg Jets

From all the pomp and the pizzazz of the much-anticipated home opener at Mullett Arena, the Coyotes matched the intensity right away.

As the game progressed, the energy slowed and the Winnipeg Jets took advantage with two unanswered goals to win 3-2 in overtime.

Christian Fischer scored twice to give the Coyotes an early edge, including the first NHL goal scored in the newly-finished arena. Jets winger Cole Perfetti scored in the first period for the Jets, while center Mark Scheifele scored for the equalizer in the third period.

The Coyotes hung on to extend the game to overtime in the third period, mostly in part from the heroics of goaltender Karel Vejmelka. Vejmelka finished with 32 saves, but was unable to stop Blake Wheeler on a breakaway opportunity 32 seconds into overtime for the game-winner.

“He was our best player," Coyotes head coach André Tourigny said. "He made the difference and kept us in the game, especially in the second and third periods when we had a breakdown.”

Here are the takeaways from the Coyotes’ first game at Mullett Arena.

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Early takeoff

The Coyotes haven't been known for steady starts in the first five games of the season, which have played out with the same formula of opponents controlling time in the Coyotes zone and maintaining heavy pressure.

The results weren’t favorable for the Coyotes either with opponents outscoring the them 10-1 in the first period through five games.

But Tuesday’s tilt in Columbus reignited a spark in the team that carried over into the first period against the Jets.

From puck drop, the Coyotes came out energized and tested Jets goaltender David Rittich, taking advantage of the Jets coming in from a 6-4 win in Los Angeles the night before.

Eventually, the Coyotes wore down the Jets defense when Fischer knocked in a rebound off an effort from Troy Stecher and Patrik Nemeth in front of Rittich. Fischer and Jack McBain combined for a bang-bang play when McBain won the faceoff and Fischer one-timed a shot past Rittich.

"That'll be something I'll probably hold over the boys here in the next couple of years," Fischer said. "I'll let them know that this is a little history on myself for that goal."

Losing fuel

The start for the Coyotes gave promise that the team would build off the crowd's energy and control the game.

But then the Jets started to camp out in the Coyotes' zone, testing Vejmelka with an array of chances and swarming him with a 13-2 edge in shots.

Defenseman Josh Morrissey's shot from the point was deflected by Vejmelka in the third period, but Scheifele was waiting by the faceoff circle to rip the puck into the net to tie the game.

“We were making plays in the beginning and then when we got the lead, we did not stop attacking, but we stopped making plays with the puck," Tourigny said. "We were not making as many plays and had a few turnovers that put us on our heels.”

Made connections

One common thread in the three games the Coyotes (2-4-1) have earned points in this year is the production among Liam O'Brien, McBain, and Fischer. In those three games, the three have accounted for eight points. Fischer has scored three goals.

“They were our best line every night in those three games," Tourigny said. "They are physically huge, they’re fast, they’re really competitive, I like them a lot.”

Lines have been tinkered throughout the season, but the chemistry among the three will likely continue in Sunday's game against the New York Rangers. The Rangers will be coming in from an early Saturday meeting against the Dallas Stars.

Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 takeaways from Arizona Coyotes' home-opening loss to Winnipeg Jets