'Yotes Notes: Raanta's Key Saves in OT Trigger Victory

Antti Raanta made three key saves in overtime to help the Coyotes beat the New York Islanders, 3-2, on Monday night at Gila River Arena.
Raanta stopped a shot from the left circle by Nick Leddy and then two more by Leddy and John Tavares in quick succession during a scramble in front of Arizona's net. Moments later, Nick Cousins ended the game with a backhanded goal past Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak.

Raanta stopped 32 of 34 saves overall and lifted his record to 3-1-3 in his past seven starts. Opponents have scored two goals or less in six of those starts.
"I feel good," Raanta said. "The guys have been doing a great job in front of me. They're blocking lots of shots, taking the sticks away. It's a little bit different to play behind this team right now because everybody is dialed in … We need everybody to be in the game mode, like we've been seeing in the last few games ... It's been a good run."

• Cousins scored two goals in the game, a first in his NHL career. The overtime goal, the first of his career, lifted his season total to seven, also a career-high.
"It's been fun coming to the rink, right?," Cousins said. "I think we've been playing pretty well defensively in limiting their speed through the neutral zone, not only tonight, but since 2018. If we can keep that going and play well defensively we will get our chances offensively."

• Brendan Perlini scored Arizona's other goal, stretching his goal-scoring streak to three games.
"I'm trying to do that every night," said Perlini, who has notched 27 goals in his first 99 NHL games. "That's the toughest part about playing in this league, it's hard to be consistent. You're not always going to be on your game every single night. Some nights you're going to be feeling a little tired, but tonight was a decent night. I just tried to get to the net and use my speed."
• With the victory, the Coyotes extended their season-long point streak to five games.
"The one thing we've got to do is expect to win," Head Coach Rick Tocchet said. "Regardless of whatever people say. I still think the players have to expect to win every night instead of hoping. I hate hoping. I want to expect to win."

• The Coyotes wore decals with the letters "JJ" on their helmets to honor longtime USA Hockey executive Jim Johansson, who passed away suddenly on Sunday. Both teams, and the fans, took part in a moment of silence for Johansson before the opening face-off.
• Arizona on Monday acquired defenseman John Ramage from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for future considerations. Ramage was assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners, Arizona's top affiliate in the American Hockey League. Ramage has played the bulk of his pro career in the AHL since being drafted 103rd overall by Calgary in 2010.