Game Preview
The Arizona Coyotes don’t have any time to dwell on last night’s overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. They are back in Tempe and set to host the Montréal Canadiens tonight in their first meeting of the season.
The Coyotes certainly need a bounce-back effort after last night’s matchup. They didn’t play terribly against the Ducks, they just didn’t play as well as we have seen them in prior efforts.
Special teams proved to be a deciding factor, and unfortunately, the Coyotes came up short. The Desert Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play and gave up two power play goals to the Ducks.
Given how tight last night’s game was, special teams proved to be the deciding factor. Hopefully, the Coyotes will fare better against tonight’s opponent.
The Montréal Canadiens come into tonight’s game third in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Bruins and the Detroit Red Rings. They are also the only team in the Eastern Conference in a playoff spot with a negative goal differential, so maybe don’t expect them to be there at the end of the season.
That’s not to say the Canadiens haven’t put together a good record to start the season. They are 5-2-2 through nine games with wins over the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Winnipeg Jets. The wins over the Capitals and Blue Jackets came in overtime, while the Jets game was decided in the shootout.
The Canadiens have played a lot of close games this season, which doesn’t bode well for the Coyotes tonight. Arizona played last night and had to travel, while the Canadiens haven’t played since Monday. A rested opponent who can play close games should have the edge tonight unless the Coyotes find a way to dig deep.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Lawson Crouse – After a slow start, Crouse seems to be finding his footing. He had his first two goals last night and is riding a three-game point streak after registering assists against the Blackhawks and the Kings.
Montréal: Sean Monahan – Monahan comes into tonight’s game riding a three-game goal streak and is tied for second in points. After being limited to just 25 games last season, Monahan seems poised for a good season.
Injuries
Arizona: Jason Zucker (IR)
Montréal: Kirby Dach (IR), David Savard (IR)
Puck Drop
Tonight’s game will be at Mullett Arena and will start at 7:00 p.m. Arizona time. The game will air on Scripps.