When Coyotes goalie Mike Smith lifted the puck into the back of the Red Wings' net Saturday night, beating the third-period buzzer by 0.1 seconds, it was gratifying.
Smith and the Coyotes trailed 2-0 in the game but came back and scored five unanswered goals, the last from Smith, to defeat the Red Wings 5-2.
It was a microcosm of the last few years for the Coyotes, too. They went down early and relocation seemed more imminent each passing day with no owner in sight.
But the Coyotes stormed back, found an owner at the 0.1 second mark of the third period and now deserve the attention of sports fans around the valley.
This team has the pieces now to do something special.
There's no more writing off the Coyotes or not fully investing in them because of the ownership situation. They are here to stay and offer a product far better than the other three major sports teams in the valley.
So, to all the disgruntled Phoenix-area sports fans looking to climb out of the hole of mediocrity, make the drive out to Glendale and watch Smith and the gang.
You never know what'll happen.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @DsShapi
