Game Preview
The losing streak has to come to an end eventually, right? The Arizona Coyotes dropped their 11th straight game last Wednesday, falling 6-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It was the second straight 6-3 loss after falling 6-3 to the Edmonton Oilers in their prior game. And just like their previous loss, it saw the Coyotes play well in the second but could not carry that momentum into the third period.
Like many losses this season, the Coyotes took far too many penalties. The Maple Leafs had five power plays and converted on two of their opportunities.
While the Coyotes have been falling to the bottom of the Central, the Winnipeg Jets are tied with the Avalanche for the second in the division with four games in hand. With the number of games they have left to play, the Jets could finish at the top of the division.
Connor Hellebuyck has been leading the Jets to success. With a .925 save percentage and a 2.19 goals-against average, Hellebuyck is one of the NHL’s top goaltenders right now.
The Jets don’t score many goals, averaging 3.05 goals compared to the Coyotes’ 2.88. But the Jets allow the fewest goals, which is a good reason for their success.
In terms of special teams, the Coyotes have the edge on both the power play and penalty kill. Still, staying out of the box will be best for the Coyotes.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Clayton Keller – Keller had an assist against the Maple Leafs and had a goal and an assist against the Oilers. In three games against the Jets, Keller has just one assist.
Winnipeg: Kyle Connor – Connor comes into tonight’s game riding a four-game point streak with eight points in that series. He comes into tonight’s game with 38 points in 39 games.
Injuries
Arizona: Travis Boyd (pectoral), Liam O’Brien (upper body), Troy Stecher (lower body)
Winnipeg: David Gustafsson (conditioning)
Puck Drop
Today’s game will be at 4:00 p.m. Arizona time and will be the first of a five-game road trip.