GDT: Coyotes look to finish preseason on a high note

Game Preview

After a slow start the Arizona Coyotes have had a pretty solid preseason. They have won their past three games (four if you count the win in the split-squad game) including two straight 4-2 wins.

In Thursday’s game the Coyotes got offense from their new additions. First rounders Victor Soderstrom and Barrett Hayton scored 24 seconds apart from each other in the second period and Carl Soderberg got the empty-net goal to secure the Coyotes win. Last year the Coyotes were starved for offense so it’s great to see the new blood having a positive effect.

While the Coyotes have been great at drawing penalties, although their power play is still struggling. Arizona has had 10 power play opportunities in the past two games and they have scored not one power play goal. Even if the Coyotes aren’t playing with their full roster you would expect at least one goal with that many opportunities. Hopefully the Coyotes are just experiencing some growing pains adapting to a new strategy, and we will know soon enough if the Coyotes’ power play is better.

Since losing 4-3 in the shootout the Anaheim Ducks have had a pretty solid preseason. They are 2-1-0 with wins against the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings and a loss to the Kings. Outside of a 3-0 loss to the Kings, they have also been a pretty stingy team, holding the Sharks to a loan goal and shutting out the Kings.

Player to Watch

Arizona: Barrett Hayton - Hayton has had an extremely good preseason and seems like he has earned his roster spot.

Puck Drop

Tonight’s game will be at 7:00 pm Arizona time and may air at Fox Sports 910.