Game Preview
The Arizona Coyotes are back in action as they prepare for a rematch against the Calgary Flames. After falling 6-2 to the Flames last Thursday, the Coyotes rebounded with a 6-0 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, and they hope to bring that momentum into tonight’s game.
It was a brilliant rebound game for the Coyotes and exactly the start they needed for their three-game road trip. After a disastrous five-game homestand, the Coyotes need to excel this road trip if they want to regain their Wild Card spot.
After struggling at home, the Coyotes looked great against the Wild. Nick Bjugstad recorded a hat trick, Clayton Keller scored twice, and Connor Ingram made 38 saves in his fifth shutout of the season. The Coyotes have been inconsistent all season, but if they can play more games like the game on Saturday, they may sneak into the postseason.
While the Coyotes were beating the Wild, the Flames grabbed two points of their own. The Flames come into tonight’s game riding a three-game win streak, having beaten the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1.
Everything is clicking for the Flames right now. They are getting good offense and excellent goaltending from Jacob Markstrom, and their special teams are getting the job done.
When comparing the Coyotes’ first games against the Flames and the following game against the Wild, you see how vital the first period is. Calgary had a 4-1 lead after 20 minutes and had a stranglehold on the game from that point further. Compare that to the Coyotes taking a 3-0 lead against the Wild, and you can see what a difference the opening period can make.
In addition to getting a good start, the Coyotes will need their power play and penalty kill to be close to perfect. Part of the Flames’ strong start against the Coyotes came on the Yotes’ first power play when Yegor Sharangovich scored short-handed to make it 2-0. But in the game against the Wild, two of the Coyotes’ first three goals came on the power play, showing what a difference special teams can make.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Clayton Keller – Keller had a three-point night against the Wild and had one of the Coyotes’ two goals against the Flames. He comes into tonight’s game riding a four-game point streak.
Calgary: Mikael Backlund – Backlund had a goal and an assist against the Golden Knights and started the scoring against the Coyotes. He has 10 goals and 14 assists in 43 games this season.
Injuries
Arizona: Travis Boyd (pectoral), Barrett Hayton (upper body), Vladislav Kolyachonok (lower body)
Calgary: Dennis Gilbert (upper body), Oliver Kylington (personal)
Puck Drop
Tonight’s game will be in Calgary at 7:00 p.m. Arizona time and will air on Scripps.