On Thursday, Brad Richardson did something no Arizona Coyote has done in over two decades, and only one NHL player has done this season.
The center scored four goals in the Coyotes' 5-2 win over the visiting Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night, giving the Coyotes their fifth straight victory as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Playing against his former team, Richardson became the first Coyotes player since Keith Tkachuk on March 20, 1997 to score four goals in a single game.
Richardson also became just the second player to score four goals in an NHL game this season. Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine did the same on Nov. 24, making Richardson the first and only NHL player to score four in a game during the 2019 calendar year.
So that Richardson penalty ending up working out.#OurPack takes the early lead. pic.twitter.com/qIVe90lXUi
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) March 1, 2019
Richardson AGAIN!
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) March 1, 2019
That's his 14th this season, tying a career high.#OurPack leads again. pic.twitter.com/YZztroQ3So
It took Brad Richardson just 31 minutes, 49 seconds tonight to post the @ArizonaCoyotes' 2nd hat trick of the season and the 2nd of his career.
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) March 1, 2019
🧢🤠👲👒🎩🎓 pic.twitter.com/LRm4Tv6Ee7
BRAD RICHARDSON’S FOURTH OF THE NIGHT!
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 1, 2019
THAT IS NOT A TYPO. pic.twitter.com/2t0VYCqhEZ
Most importantly, Richardson's big night allowed the Coyotes to keep pace with other Western Conference teams competing for a playoff spot. The Coyotes are currently just one point out of the final playoff spot in the West with 18 games to play.
The Coyotes' next game is Saturday vs. the Detroit Red Wings at Gila River Arena. Tickets can be purchased here.
The game belt winner? Predictable.
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 1, 2019
The locker room celebration? Incredible. pic.twitter.com/U6hcMWaekg
