GDT Game 28: Coyotes host Sharks and look to extend point streak

Game Preview

The Arizona Coyotes were taken to the shootout by another Pacific Division rival last night. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t be as lucky against the Vegas Golden Knights as they were against the Anaheim Ducks and would lose in the third round with only Christian Dvorak scoring.

Last night’s game was a very low scoring event, with both teams only scoring once. Alex Tuch would get the first goal of the game for the Golden Knights on a power play, in the second period. The Coyotes would respond that same period, with Jakob Chychrun getting his sixth goal of the season. Chychrun scored a career-high seven goals in his rookie season with the Coyotes, and he is only one goal away from that in only 27 games.

While the Coyotes would allow a goal on the power play, the Golden Knights had five opportunities throughout the game. They almost had an abbreviated power play when William Karlsson was assessed a hooking penalty while Brad Richardson was in the box for an illegal check to the head. Unfortunately, Phil Kessel would get a holding penalty against Jonathan Marchessault, limiting the Coyotes to just one power play opportunity from the first period.

After going big last season by trading for Erik Karlsson it seemed like they were going to be an elite team for seasons to come. They would finish second in the Pacific Division and make it all the way to the Western Conference Final before falling to the eventual Champions the St. Louis Blues.

The San Jose Sharks started this season extremely badly, but they have gotten much better as of late. They are currently fourth in the Pacific Division and are 8-2-0 in their last ten games. Earlier this month they went on a six-game win streak, although it should be noted that those wins partially came against teams at the bottom of the standings like the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Players to Watch

Arizona: Christian Dvorak - Dvorak had an assist on the Coyotes lone goal against the Golden Knights and was the only Coyotes player to score in the shootout.

San Jose: Patrick Marleau - After being bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs Marleau would start the season without a team before being signed by the San Jose Sharks on October 9th. So far this season he has six goals, including two in his last three games.

Injuries

Arizona: Lawson Crouse (questionable, upper body), Niklas Hjalmarsson (leg)

San Jose: Dalton Prout (upper body)

Puck Drop

Tonight’s game will be at Gila River Arena and will be at 6:00 pm Arizona time. It will air on Fox Sports Arizona and Fox Sports 910 AM.