Game Preview
The Arizona Coyotes are undefeated since recalling Josh Doan from the Tucson Roadrunners. It may be a small sample size, but the Coyotes beat the Nashville Predators 8-4 on Thursday for their second straight win.
Thursday was one of the Coyotes’ better comebacks of the season. After giving up two early goals, the Coyotes responded with two of their own, tying the game. Then, they followed that up with four goals in the second period, giving them a commanding 6-3 lead going into the final frame.
Throughout the game, the Coyotes did a good job staying disciplined. They were only short-handed twice, which is a good thing considering the Predators found a way to convert both times they had the man advantage.
Of course, the highlight of Thursday’s game was Logan Cooley. Cooley has had an inconsistent rookie season but has found great success since another call-up, Dylan Guenther. But Cooley may have had his best game with the Desert Dogs this season, with his first career hat trick. While the Coyotes will miss the playoffs this season, it is great to see the younger players continue to show up and play.
This afternoon will be a significant challenge for the Yotes. The Rangers were one of the first teams that the Coyotes played, and it was a close game. But the Rangers have come a long way since beating the Desert Dogs 2-1 back in October.
The New York Rangers are not only the top team in the Metropolitan Division but also the top team in the entire NHL. They are 8-2-0 in their last ten games and are riding a four-game win streak. However, their last three wins have come either in the shootout or overtime, which isn’t necessarily ideal.
It isn’t hard to see why the Rangers are the top team in the NHL. They are eighth in average goals scored per game (3.37) and sixth in goals against per game (2.71). Their power play is fourth in the league (26.0%), as is their penalty kill (83.5%).
But the Rangers being the better team doesn’t mean they will win. Today seems like a possible trap game. The Coyotes have played spoilers before, and who knows what will happen if the Rangers underestimate them.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Clayton Keller—While the kids have been the big story, Keller has continued to be the best player for the Coyotes. He had a four-point night against the Predators and comes into tonight’s game riding a seven-game point streak.
New York: Artemi Panarin – Panarin comes into tonight’s game riding a four-game point streak, with five goals and four assists in his last four games. He had an assist the last time the Coyotes and Rangers played.
Injuries
Arizona: Travis Boyd (pectoral), Barrett Hayton (lower body)
New York: Filip Chytil (upper body), Erik Gustafsson (upper body), Jacob Trouba (lower body), Blake Wheeler (leg)
Puck Drop
Today’s game at Mullett Arena will be a matinee matchup with a 3:00 p.m. start.