Game Preview
Christmas is over, and hockey is back. The Arizona Coyotes have a chance at revenge tonight as they prepare for a rematch against the Colorado Avalanches.
The Coyotes have had three days off since falling 4-1 to the Avalanche last Saturday. That is time enough to rest and focus on what they need to do this time.
Arizona falling to Colorado wasn’t a shock. The Avalanche are a good team, who were facing off a division rival while they are looking for points to secure their playoff position. They also came ready to play, scoring in the first ten minutes and then three times in the second period.
But there were a few bright spots for the Coyotes. The Avalanche only had two power play opportunities, and the Coyotes managed to kill off both. Additionally, the Coyotes went one for three on the power play, which kept them from getting shut out.
Special teams can make or break a game, especially when a team is up against a better opponent. A timely power play goal or a well-executed penalty kill can change the momentum of a game and could mean the difference between a win and a loss tonight.
Both teams will be looking to make adjustments for tonight’s game. The Coyotes need to make significant ones after the Avalanche’s commanding win but don’t expect Colorado to try to do everything the same. The Avalanche know that the Coyotes aren’t going to be trying things the same, and you have to expect a good team like Colorado to do what they need to be prepared to counter any changes they make.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Alex Kerfoot – Kerfoot had the Coyotes’ lone goal against the Avalanche and comes into tonight’s game riding a four-game point streak. With Hayton out with injury, he is making the most of his time with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz.
Colorado: Frederick Olofsson – Olofsson had a goal and an assist against the Coyotes despite playing only 8 minutes and 12 seconds. He may not get much ice time, but he may prove to be a Coyotes killer.
Injuries
Arizona: Travis Boyd (pectoral muscle), Barrett Hayton (upper body), Vladislav Kolyachonok (lower body)
Colorado: Jean-Luc Foudy (lower body), Pavel Francouz (groin), Gabriel Landeskog (knee), Artturi Lehkonen (neck), Chris Wagner (Achilles)
Puck Drop
Tonight’s game will be at Mullett Arena with a 7:00 p.m. start time. It will air on Scripps.